A new Kathakali production rich in innovation

‘Palazhi Madhanam’, a power-packed presentation, was premiered at Kerala Kalamandalam Deemed University

There is a joke in Kathakali that all that a chuvanna tadi, a villainous character, needs to do is to look menacing, make some noise, and get killed in the end. There are, however, a few meaty roles, such as Sugreeva in ‘Balivadham’ and Jarasandha in ‘Rajasooyam’. ‘Palazhi Madhanam’, or the Churning of Palazhi, which debuted at Kerala Kalamandalam Deemed University recently, is a welcome addition to this short list. A power-packed presentation by Kalamandalam’s Vadakkan Kalari brought out Kathakali’s nritta aspect with brisk kalasams or pure dance movements backed by some vibrant drumming. It offered immense scope for both nritta and abhinaya to Bali, a chuvanna tadi or red-bearded character. Most important, this new play was rich in innovation while strictly adhering to the grammar and syntax of Kathakali. The story is about Bali stepping in to relieve the gods and demons who have become tired while churning the ocean for nectar. The script has just two other characters — Indra, who invites his son Bali to help the gods, and Matali, Indra’s charioteer. Not much is known about this attakatha or its author, though some believe Kunchan Nambiar, who lived in the 18th century, wrote it.