5th May 2023, Dehradun: The schools of Dehradun witnessed mesmerizing lecture demonstrations on the ancient art form of Koodiyattam by Kapila Venu, a renowned practitioner of this traditional Sanskrit theatre. The event was organized by SPIC MACAY and supported by SRF Foundation.
Kapila Venu, accompanied by Kalamandalam Rajeev, Kalamandalam Hariharan and Kalanilayam Unnikrishnan, performed at Moravian School, and Welham Boys School. During her circuit, she also performed at the Army Public School Birpur, John Martin Memorial School, Delhi Public School, and Kasiga School. On May 6th, she will be performing at Raja Ram Mohan Roy Academy and Hilton School.
Koodiyattam is an ancient art form that originated in Kerala and is believed to be more than a thousand years old. It combines the elements of Aryan culture and Dravidian culture and is one of the oldest surviving theatre traditions in the world. Kapila Venu’s lecture demonstration was an excellent opportunity for students and the audience to experience this beautiful and culturally significant art form.
During the lecture demonstration, Kapila Venu taught hastha mudras (hand gestures) to the children of various schools, provided insights into the dance, conducted a little workshop, and taught the students a few steps and mudras. She also answered many questions from the students, and every performance ended with a highly interactive session.
In Welham Boys School, Kapila Venu presented a full performance dressed in traditional costume and elaborate make-up. The performances covered various themes such as a forest/nature scene, Krishna entering Mathura to vanquish Kansa, a classic episode of Gajendra caught by a crocodile, and the Adi koorma, Vasuki, Shiva, Guruda, and Samudra Manthana by the Devas and Asuras.
Kapila Venu is a disciple of the Koodiyattam Maestro Guru Ammannur Madhava Chakyar and is the Director of Natanakairali Research and Performing Centre for Traditional Arts at Irinjalakuda. She is a staff artist at Ammanur Chachu Chakyar Smaraka Gurukulam and a visiting faculty at the National School of Drama, New Delhi, and at Intercultural Theatre Institute, Singapore.
One of the students who attended the event said, “The program was an excellent way to introduce us to the beautiful and ancient art form of Koodiyattam and foster an appreciation for India’s rich cultural heritage.”
SPIC MACAY provided an excellent opportunity for the students and audience of Dehradun to witness the rare and beautiful art form of Koodiyattam through Kapila Venu’s lecture demonstration. The event was a remarkable success, and it showcased the importance of preserving and promoting our cultural heritage.
