Many of the classical art forms of India took shape in quadrangles and courtyards of temples. For centuries, they were sustained and supported by the temples and their patrons until changing social and economic equations severed that umbilical cord, forcing the art forms to seek sustenance outside its walls. Nowadays, many a time, the only remaining connection between the temples and the art forms has been limited to programmes during the temple festivals. However, over the years, many temples have turned towards populist programmes, pushing the classical art forms to the corner. Only a handful of temples in Kerala still provide a significant space for chaste classical art forms these days.
It is in this context that Kalabodhini, a series of classical art appreciation workshops, organised by Sree Koodalmanikyam Devaswom, Irinjalakuda, assumes significance. From last year onwards, the Devaswom had started conducting cultural programmes as part of the annual festival of the temple, as a National Music, Dance and Rhythm Festival, lining up master performers of all genres from all over India.
This year also, the managing committee has lined up stellar performers such as Malavika Sarukkai, Sujata Mohapatra, Parvathi Baul, Malladi Brothers, Jayanti Kumaresh and Vidwan Kumaresh, Pandit Jayateerth Mevundi and so on.
Appreciating art
“Along with bringing the master performers to Kerala, it is also important to educate audiences on how to appreciate the classical art forms and that’s what prompted us to organise this workshop series,” explains U Pradeep Menon, chairman of Koodalmanikyam Devaswom’s managing committee.
The workshops, spread out over four weekends, was opened with a two-day session focussing on classical music, which was led by NM Anoop Krishnan, an assistant professor at Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi, who is also a Carnatic musician. Supported by violinist Brahmadathan NM, Krishnan introduced participants of the workshop to the nuances of Hindustani Music, Carnatic music and desi traditions of Indian music.
A cross section of the audience listening to a workshop conducted by NM Anoop Krishnan | Photo Credit: Special arrangement
With examples, he explained the basic notions of sruti, tala, the concepts of Indian melody, the raga concept, the alapana of ragas and the stylistic differences between concert patterns of Hindustani and Carnatic systems. The tranquil atmosphere at the Ammannur Gurukulam provided the perfect ambience for the workshops.
The second workshop, focussing on dance forms such as Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, Kuchipudi and other dance forms, will be held on April 20 and 21. Kuchipudi exponent Sreelakshmy Govardhanan will lead the workshop, supported by Bharatanatyam dancer Meera Nangiar and Mohiniyattam dancers Sandra Pisharody and Kalamandalam Prasheeja.
The workshop will introduce participants to basic notions of classical dance, including margam, alarippu, thodayam, varnam, javali, padam, thillana, and daruvu as well as to the desi traditions of dance.
The third one, to be held on April 27 and 28, will be led by Kariyannur Narayanan Namboothiri, an exponent of the thimila, which will explore different types of melam, traditional percussion ensembles of Kerala such as Panchari Melam, Pandi Melam and Panchavadyam.
The workshop will introduce ideas such as Akshara Kalam and Matra, structure of different melams, methods of using different instruments for various stages of the melam and aesthetics of melam.
The last of the series will be a three-day-long workshop on Kathakali, to be held on May 3, 4 and 5. To be led by experienced Kathakali artistes Kalanilayam Gopi and Peesappilly Rajeevan, the workshop will highlight various elements of Kathakali such as mudras, talam, kalasam, structure of plays in Kathakali, music, Pakarnnattam, Elakiyattam, sathwikabhinaya and manodharma. They will throw light on the Attaprakaras of Kathakali performances scheduled for this year’s festival. “We’re bringing experts, both for performances and for workshops,” says Ramesan Nambeesan, director of the workshops.
“We are trying to attract the young generation towards classical art forms and our wish is that all the youngsters growing up in Irinjalakuda should be able to nurture an interest in the classical art forms, the town being the seat of classical art forms for centuries,” adds Pradeep.
The workshops are free and open to participants belonging to all age groups. Though this year’s Kalabodhini workshops, held with the support of Sundara Narayana Gananjali Trust, Irinjalakuda, are held in connection with the temple festival, the Devaswom also has plans to conduct them throughout the year.