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Right and wrong steps
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The purity of Kerala Natanam is in question as new practitioners introduce changes in the art form.
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Is it possible to teach the MTV generation Kathakali? The answer is yes.
Kerala Natanam, which had its origins in the late 1930s, offers Kathakali in a simplified manner. Once an esoteric art form, confined to palaces and temples, Kathakali has now reached the layman, thanks to the genuine efforts of great artistes such as Guru Gopinath and Ragini Devi (mother of the great Indian dancer, Indrani Rehman).
Guru Gopinath developed his own style of Kathakali without compromising the traditional disciplines and the classical background. And his successors named it Kerala Natanam. "Guru Gopinath's contribution was his efforts to expand the framework of tradition," says Sasi Mohan, the editor of Weblokam and Guru Gopinath's son in law.
The strength, potential and adaptability of Kathakali are showcased in Kerala Natanam. This is achieved through the presentation of contemporary Indian and international themes instead of focusing on the usual mythological subjects. Ballets such as `Sree Yesunatha Vijayam', `Divya Naadam', `Sister Nivedita', `Chandala Bhikshuki' and `Kerala Piravi' are among the successful experiments in Kerala Natanam.
Nanthancode Vinayachandran, a well-known Kerala Natanam performer and Gopinath's disciple, altered the art form by giving it "a new look". "In Guruji's days, Kerala Natanam did not have any costume code. The apparel used was totally dependent upon the character played on stage. The dance form was not even known by the name, Kerala Natanam. There came an urgent need to identify the dance from among other south Indian dance forms. So I felt there should be a costume code for Kerala Natanam," says Vinayachandran.
Kerala Natanam was included in the Kerala State School Youth Festivals five years ago. "A new costume code has been adopted for Kerala Natanam to include it in the Kerala State South Festival menu. Nowadays, every art form in Kerala is becoming youth festival oriented; professional dancers are out to make fast buck," says Vasanthi Jayaswal, daughter of Guru Gopinath and a U.S.-based Bharathanatyam exponent.
"In the U.S., we never teach Kerala Natanam as such. If Vinayachandran gave a new dress code, he should say that it's his style. He should not use Guruji's name to support it. We cannot classify dance forms like what they do in Zoology. Father never designed a costume for Kerala Natanam," adds Vasanthi Jayaswal.
The Viswa Kalakendram, established in 1963 at Vattiyoorkavu, now offers courses in Kerala Natanam. It is run by Vinodini Sasi Mohan, Guru Gopinath's daughter. "Viswa Kalakendram is the only centre that preserves the original style of Kerala Natanam," says Vinodini.
Vasanthi Jayaswal says a lot of people are using Guru Gopinath's name for self-promotion. "They need a flag to attract attention, and now it's Kerala Natanam, which is the only dance form that lacks an authority."
R.S.
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