Camaraderie characterised the ambience at the Durbar Hall Art Gallery on Saturday as well, as scores of artists from the transgender community, tribals, Dalits and other artists made the ongoing camp ‘Samanwaya’ festive with lively discussions and demonstrations amidst painting and sculpting.
Puppet show
The evening was brightened by the screening of The War is Over, a 1966 classic by Alain Renais, which was followed by a puppet show by Ravi Kishan Bhat, a tribal artist, sculptor and singer from Ahmadabad who gives street performances. It was an impromptu show in which he introduced characters from history as well as contemporary life to the excitement of the audience.
The highlight of the evening, however, was the staging of sections from Karalman Charitham Chavittunadakam by Paulson and team from the Kerala Chavittunadaka Academy in Gothuruth, the fount of Chavittunadakam.
With the accompaniment of foot-tapping music and stunning group dance performances on stage, the group brought on stage the heroic tale of Karalman (Emperor Charlemagne) and his battle with the Turkish King Al Biranth.
Wide acclaim
The performance received wide acclaim from a huge crowd that had gathered to watch it.
Young Jackson, who donned the role of Al Biranth, impressed everyone with his dynamic performance and dancing skills.
A ghazal night by Umbai will be the highlight of the cultural performances on Sunday.