Mudiyettu, a ritualistic dance drama that is gradually losing its grip among the younger generations, is all set to get a major boost.
Aimed at keeping the traditional art form alive, the Kaduthuruthy block panchayat in Kottayam is organising free training courses in Mudiyettu for people of all age groups.
The training programme, to be held in all six panchayats within its limit, will be led by renowned Mudiyettu artist Unnikrishnan, a native of Kattambakku, near here.
Padma Chandran, president of the block panchayat, said here on Tuesday that the project was being initiated under the Diamond Jubilee Fellowship of the State government. Alongside the traditional art, courses were being organised in Margamkali, painting and sculpture and various music instruments. While the centres for conducting the training had already been decided, the respective panchayats would decide on the schedule and timing of classes.
“It is important for the people to interact with the performers, which will inspire them to learn the art form and establish a connection with it. Learning the art form also helps them open a supplementary source of income as well,” Ms. Padma Chandran said.
More venues
In a bid to power the art form and consequently the lives of its bearers, the block panchayat is also planning to provide the artists with more venues to stage their skills and to perform in front of new spectators.
Performed in the Bhadrakali temples of Central Kerala, Mudiyettu found a place in the UNESCO’s intangible heritage list in 2010.
According to her, there is a danger that art forms like these might wither away, as they are being practised by just a handful of artists in an entire region.
“Performed only in temples, art forms like these have failed to become mainstream in our social scheme of things and hence the artists have been unable to make a comfortable living out of it. In the absence of promotional efforts, its future looks too bleak’’, she added.
Mons Joseph, MLA, inaugurated the block-level launch of the Diamond Jubilee Fellowship programme at Government Vocational Higher Secondary School on Monday.
Ms. Padma Chandran presided over the event. V.V. Ajeesh, district coordinator of the fellowship programme, presented the project.