Reinterpreting a timeless treatise

KOCHI: Natya Sastra, believed to be the oldest text on performing arts, is a rich and elaborate treatise touching upon various aspects of stage art. Yet, the scope and significance of the aesthetic theories dealt in this ancient compilation remain unknown to many. And introducing Sage Bharata’s Sanskrit composition in a  modern and simplified method is Natyasastrakalam, an offshoot of Thiruvananthapuram-based acting school Kalam. “We are aiming at a modern interpretation of Natya Sastra. Natyasastrakalam will provide a platform where the participants can indulge in serious discussions on various topics related to the text,” says Prasanth Narayanan, founder of Kalam. 

Natyasastrakalam inaugurated in the city by scholar and former vice-chancellor of Kerala Kalamandalm K G Paulose, will see luminaries from various fields handling weekly sessions. “Natya Sastra, despite being a great text, is not part of syllabus in any university.

At the same time many foreign texts have been part of the curriculum for long,” he adds. Also a noted theatre personality, Prasanth Narayanan says the idea is to introduce to the public an aesthetics spread across Asia and its present-day implementation. “Though written in Sanskrit it will not be discussed or taught as part of any particular religion. What we do is to give a simplified version of the text without losing its essence.” 

He adds that Natyasastrakalam is not exclusively meant for theatre artists and classical dancers alone. “Anybody can participate. There will be three sessions every day. In the first session slokas will be read and interpreted. 

In the third session its contemporary value will be discussed along with measures through which it can be used. For example if it’s a session on Rasa, slokas on various ‘rasas’ will be discussed first. Then a classical art exponent will demonstrate the nine rasas in front of the participants,” he explains.  
Natyasastrakalam will be held on every Wednesdays from 6 pm to 8 pm. The sessions will be handled by experts in various art forms including theatre and classical arts. “We are planning to bring in eminent artist from various parts of India as well. The entry will be till 6 pm For more details contact 9447164321 or 0471-2464077.