Ravana, the most illustrious anti-hero of Indian mythology, will take centre stage at the International Koodiyattam and Kathakali Festival (IKKF) in Dubai this weekend.
Bringing together ancient and highly structured classical performing arts from Kerala, the eighth edition of the festival will showcase Kathakali as well as thullal, a solo dance-theatre style known for its wit and humour.
Organisers Traditions Live have this time split the festival into two parts to include more classical art forms. While Kathakali, thullal and the percussion ensemble thayambaka will be staged in December, the ancient Sanskrit theatre koodiyattam and the mohiniattam dance will be showcased in April 2015.
Kathakali
One of the most recognised of Indian classical dance forms, Kathakali is highly stylised and characterised by dramatic make-up, elaborate costumes and exaggerated gestures. The theme this year is Ravanayanam – exploring the multiple facets of Ravana, the mythological demon king of the Hindu epic Ramayana.
“The character of Ravana has fired the imagination of generations across the subcontinent and even many South East Asian nations. From a powerful demon king to a tragic emperor, Ravana has been portrayed in many hues,” says Sreeni TS, one of IKKF’s organisers. “He is valorous, arrogant, a skilled musician and a great scholar – a delightful character to essay in the drama associated with Kathakali.”
The plays
Ravana will be depicted across four plays where he is the central character.
Ravanavijayam (Victory of Ravana) – written in the early 19th century, depicts Ravana attaining glory following a period of penance. But at another level, it also shows his darker side. Madavoor Vasudevan Nair, 85 and still an active performer, will play the central role.
Ravanothbhavam (The Rise of Ravana), an 18th-century play depicts the demon king's ascension and how he restores the lost glory of the rakshasas (demons). Kalamandalam Pradeepkumar, well-known for his portrayal of Ravana across different plays, will get under the skin of the victorious Ravana.
Balivijayam (Victory of Bali over Ravana), depicts how the arrogant Ravana is humbled by the mighty monkey king Bali. This performance will see noted Kathakali exponent Kottakkal Kesavan Kundalayar portray the comical embarrassment of the majestic Ravana.
Balivadham (The Slaying of Bali) is usually enacted on stage in two parts and only the first part will be staged at IKKF. It narrates the story of how and why Ravana abducts Sita, the wife of the Hindu deity Rama.
Kalamandalam Sreekumar will play Ravana.
Thullal
This solo dance-theatre style is different from Kathakali in presentation. Two types of thullal – ottanthullal and sheethankathullal – will be presented during the festival.
Ottanthullal, the more popular of the two, is known for its distinct yet peculiar costume. The metre and rhythm of the ottanthullal songs are fast and the dance is high tempo, too. Sheethankanthullal is slower and is being performed in the UAE for the first time.
Kalamandalam Geethanandan will narrate and enact two interesting mythological stories – Kalyana Sougandhikam, where the monkey deity Hanuman traverses time and age to meet his half-brother Bheema, and Garuda Garva Bhangam (The Vanquishing of Garuda's Pride). Geethanandan is considered foremost among thullal artists.
Thaayambaka
Also playing nightly at the festival is thaayambaka, a percussion ensemble featuring the chenda (drum) and elathalam (cymbals).
Day one will see Porur Unnikrishnan, known for his effortless improvisation, playing complex beat cycles.
Kallur Ramankutty Marar, one of the most prominent Keralite performers today, will take the stage on the second evening, performing intricate rhythmic patterns on the chenda.
The final day brings up a double thaayambaka by the two maestros.
• IKKF will be held from December 4 to 6 at GEMS Wellington International School in Dubai. For a full schedule of events, visit www.traditionslive.org/our-schedule
