KALASAGAR TO OBSERVE GURUSMARANADINAM ON 14 OCTOBER 2023
Preserving and Promoting Guru Shishya Parampara
Traditionally, in the ancient guru-sishya relationship, the guru was not only revered but also feared as it was the guru who alone was responsible for shaping the life of his students. When the harmony and symmetry of the guru-sishya relationship is broken by modernity, leaving aside the tradition, it gives rise to the crisis of identity and authority. The guru would follow the dictum that it is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken the joy in creative expression and knowledge. Gurusmaranadinam – Preserving and Promoting Guru Shishya Parampara. the concept of guru-sishya relationship should find its balance in the constant renegotiation between tradition and modernity. Both the guru and students need to take a reality check to understand the need of the hour, says Rajan Poduval, Secretary, Kalasagar.
Kalasagar, plans to commemorate the 31st death anniversary of its founder, kathakali maestro, the late Kalamandalam Krishnankutty Poduval, on October 14, as GURUSMARANADINAM (Homage to Gurus) by honoring eminent performing artists viz. Shri R L V Damodara Pisharody, the great Kathakali Actor (Vesham) and vetean Kathakali Musician Shri Cherthala Thankappa Panicker, at a function being organized by Kalasagar in association with Edappilly Kathakali Aaswadaka Sadassu at Changapuzha Park near Kochi at 5PM. The felicitation ceremony followed by Naalunokku Purappadu, Melappadam and Kathakali play Nalacharitham Randam Divasam )Kattalan and Damayanthi) by eminent artists.
Shri Krishnankutty Poduval, a legendary player of the chenda and an informed critic of Kathakali studied the visual grammar and rhythmic structure of Kathakali under Guru Pattikkamthodi Ravunni Menon and went on to reinterpret the chenda‘s role in Kathakali. Poduval was reputed for tracing subtle emotions in the characters with his chenda, providing mood music to romantic scenes and prompting the actors to do their best on stage. His holistic understanding of Kathakali helped him integrate music with each visual. This remains an unparalleled achievement. Poduval scripted and directed many Kathakali plays like Bhishmaprathignya, Amba, King Lear, and Snapakacharitham. He left behind a treasure trove of knowledge on Kerala’s performing arts in general and on Kathakali in particular – both at the theoretical and practical level.