Project Summary

We are excited to announce "Southern Hues," an expansive project dedicated to the rich art traditions of Kerala, India, specifically Kathakali and Mudiyettu. Led by esteemed Kuchipudi artist, Sreelakshmy Govardhanan, our mission is to produce a comprehensive, 5-hour long, high-quality video documentation, showcasing these profound art forms in their true essence. This is the first part of that documentary.

Please check out the 2nd and 3rd part here:

This project will deal with documenting and bringing a right flavour of some of the very prominent ritualistic and traditional performances of Southern landscape of India.

Interpretations through Abhinaya: Padam, Javali and Ashtapadi through Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi

The video documentation of abhinaya Interpretations in Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi aims to explore some of the rarest and unique Indian Musical as well as literary pieces, specifically set in the formats of Padam, Javali, and Ashtapadi.

Padams and Javalis are poetic creations often driven by themes of love, passion, and it's allied emotions. The literature of such pieces are highly expressive of 'Shringara Rasa,' (the state of love) one of the Navarasas, (the nine emotional states) recognized in Indian aesthetics.

Often in a romantic relationship, one has to go through a myriad of emotions that are connected to love - union, lovemaking, disagreements, longing and even separation. It is these layers in the literature and music that are breathed into life through the art of abhinaya.

Despite changes in performance contexts and performers over the years, these anciently written padams, Javalis and ashtapadis still carry innumerable amounts of potential to depict a character's emotional depth, paving way to it's contemporary relevance.

Mudiyettu: Where the folk and ritual intersect

Mudiyettu is a ritualistic manifestation of folk theatre set in the form of a dance drama, that has been followed since centuries in the Kali shrines (groves and shrines are sacred areans exclusively meant for the Goddess worship) of Central Kerala. Mudiyettu is regarded an important segment of offering / means of worship followed in the Bhagavati (Goddess) cult.

Here we bring to you the tale of 'Darika Vadham' consisting of 7 characters elaborated through 7 scenes. While narrating the mythological tale of a battle between Dharma (Virtue) and Adharma (Vice). The story telling emancipates the victory of good virtue over evilness.

An art form recognised by the UNESCO's List of Intangible cultural heritage, Mudiyettu holds a pivotal relevance in the performing art history of Kerala.

Kathakali: The vignette of Baka Vadham

The second act of the play BakaVadham explores the nuances of Sambhoga Sringaram (sensuous portrayal of erotic sentiment in union) in the brewing romance between Bhīmasenan, the second of Pandava Brothers and Hiḍimbi, the daughter of the woods. It's in the setting of Kamyaka Forest, Bhīmasenan and Hiḍimbi fall hopelessly in love with each other. Bhīman is lured by the captivating beauty of the damsel and left with no choice but to surrender to her. The act further delves into their consummation resulting in the birth of the mighty Ghaṭotkachan. This is the scene which emphasises on the Nritta elements in Kathakali also using symbolic theatrical representations.

As a King, Bhīmasenan was the most ferocious and mightiest of all in the Candravaṃśa.

Hiḍimbi on the other hand encapsulates the beauty and wilderness of a dense forest. In the format of Kathakali what is significant is the subtlest presentation of two magnificent Kathakali padams that signify the allure nature of Srinagara Rasam. The padams at act here also deploys metaphors and imageries to present the visual amplification of an ocean of romance depicted in the play. The act emancipates the birth and entry of Ghatotkachan in a refreshing manner of story-telling paving way for a gripping experience.

The performance will thus bring in a holistic experience of Kathakali theatre involving Nritta (pure dance), Nrutya (combination of dance and expressions) and Natya (theatrical acting involving somatic expressions)

The 3 videos in this part will thus delve deep into the transitory phases of emotions involved in romantic relationships making the exploration relatable to each one of the audience.

The Southern Hues

Similar creators