Colour, intense drama, a classical theatre form dating 2,000 years, high-octane percussion — immerse yourself in all this and more at the International Koodiyattam and Kathakali Festival (IKKF) in Dubai from Thursday until Monday.
Showcasing ancient and highly structured classical performing arts from the Indian state of Kerala, the seventh edition of the IKKF fittingly coincides with UAE’s National Day, celebrating the country’s multicultural tapestry.
The most recognised of these art forms is the highly stylised classical dance-drama Kathakali, noted for its dramatic make-up, elaborate costumes and detailed gestures. The highlight of this year’s festival is the staging of the unabridged Malayalam classic Nalacharitham, the 18th-century magnum opus of Unnayi Warrier, which is being presented on four consecutive nights.
The Kathakali stalwart Kalamandalam Gopi will perform on the fifth day of the festival. Gopi Aashan, as he is known, is acclaimed for his distinct style and a career spanning 40 years.
Other noted artists performing Nalacharitham include Kalamandalam Shanmukhadas, Peeshappilli Rajeevan, Ettumanoor P Kannan and Sadanam Bhasi.
IKKF will also bring on stage the rich repertoire of Koodiyattam, the oldest surviving Sanskrit theatre proclaimed by Unesco as part of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The senior artists showcasing this tradition include Maargi Sathi and Kalamandalam Sangeeth Chakyar.
Mohiniyattam, the graceful classical dance style often referred to as the dance of the enchantress, will be performed by Methil Devika.
The nights will be brought alive by a power-packed thayambaka, a percussion ensemble featuring the popular Kerala drum called the chenda and cymbals called elathalam. Mattanoor Srikanth and Sreeraj, the sons of the chenda doyen Mattanoor Sankaran Kutty Marar, will enthral audiences by playing complex rhythmic beat cycles.
• The International Koodiyattam and Kathakali Festival is at GEMS Wellington International School in Dubai. For a full schedule of events, visit www.utsavam-ikkf.org
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