Author: IKKF

An ensemble of chenda drummers accompanied by ilathaalam (heavy brass cymbals) that create cascading rhythmic patterns which, with their ever increasing crescendos, transport the audience in to a rapturous frenzy. Panamanna Sasi Born in 1964 to Panamanna Appu Pothuval and Madhavikutty Marasyar, Sasi trained as a Chenda artiste under his father. He later had his higher studies in Thayampaka under Pookkattiri Rama Pothuval. He was also a student at Kalamandalam (1984-1986) and Kottakkal (1990 onwards). He has served as a faculty at the latter institute from 1994 to 2009. Presently he is an unaffiliated artiste performing for different art forms…

Kathakali is a highly-stylized classical dance-drama remarkable for its attractive make-up of the characters, elaborate costumes, detailed gestures and well-defined body movements presented in tune with the anchor playback music and complementary percussion In a journey back to the roots, IKKF-2015 presents the four Kottayam Kathakal – Bakavadham, Kirmeeravadham, Kalyanasowgandhikam and Kalakeyavadham – in their pristine form. Kottayam Kathakal Kottayam Thampuran, the then ruler of the North Kerala princely state of Kottayam, gave shape to the classical theatre form of Kathakali through his four seminal works (Aattakkathas) in seventeenth century CE. Ramanattam, the predecessor of Kathakali, had its focus on narration…

Koodiyaattam, the classical theatre form, has a tradition of several centuries. As social norms changed across time and women were relegated to a subservient role, it was natural that the art form also reflected such relegation. Female characters in Koodiyaattam were side-lined and became appendages necessary for the fulfillment of the plot. As women across the world started claiming their rightful role in society in the latter part of twentieth century, Koodiyaattam also reflected this revival. Nangiarkoothu, the part of Koodiyaattam theatre in which female actors and characters have exclusive dominance was revived and enacted after a gap of several…

Articles about IKKF (Part II) in “The National” newspaper In step with Kerala’s classical dance forms – IKKF preview http://www.thenational.ae/arts-lifestyle/on-stage/in-step-with-keralas-classical-dance-forms Feature on the New Generation of Koodiyattam artistes http://www.thenational.ae/arts-lifestyle/on-stage/age-old-dances-of-koodiyattam-and-nangiarkoothu-carried-on-by-a-new-generation

Katha : Baalivadham (Purappadu and Nirvahanam of Shree Raman) Artiste – Sooraj Nambiar

1928-2009 Born in 1928 in Moozhikulam, Kerala in the Ammannur Chakyar family, Moozhikulam Kochukuttan Chakyar studied with Kidangoor Narayana Chakyar, Painkulam Rama Chakyar, Irinjalakkuda Madhava Chakyar and Mani Madhava Chakyar. He learnt Sanskrit from Kallankara Narayana Pisharody and Kodasseri Kochunni Kartha. He specialized in vidooshaka roles in Koodiyaattam and oral rendering of Prabhandha Koothu (purushaarthhams). Kochukuttan Chakyar joined Margi in Thiruvananthapuram in 1981 as a tutor and trained promising performers of Koodiyaattam such as Margi Madhu, Narayanan, Margi Raman, Margi Sati and Usha. He has made significant contributions to the art of Koodiyaattam as a teacher and a performer. Government…

Day 1 16April 2015, Thursday Tribute Day to Moozhikulam Kochukuttan Chakyar 1928-2009 Born in 1928 in Moozhikulam, Kerala in the Ammannur Chakyar family, Moozhikulam Kochukuttan Chakyar studied with Kidangoor Narayana Chakyar, Painkulam Rama Chakyar, Irinjalakkuda Madhava Chakyar and Mani Madhava Chakyar. He learnt Sanskrit from Kallankara Narayana Pisharody and Kodasseri Kochunni Kartha. He specialized in vidooshaka roles in Koodiyaattam and oral rendering of Prabhandha Koothu (purushaarthhams). Kochukuttan Chakyar joined Margi in Thiruvananthapuram in 1981 as a tutor and trained promising performers of Koodiyaattam such as Margi Madhu, Narayanan, Margi Raman, Margi Sati and Usha. He has made significant contributions to…