Prahlad Gopakumar
Kathakali Veedu
Master Craftman : Shri Karikakam Thrivikraman B.
Special Thanks : Smt. Ajitha T.
Concept, Research & Producer : Rajshree Rajmohan
Direction, Camera, Sound & Edit : Prahlad Gopakumar
Music : Duryodanavadhom by Kalamandalam Ramankutty Nair
References : Kathakali Costume Study and Analysis by Chaithra K. V.
Thanks : Sajiv Gopakumar, Sunitha Menon, George Chittoor
Kathakali is the greatest treasure of the Keralites", emphasized Mahakavi Vallathol Narayana Menon. In 1930, along with Manakkulam Mukunda Raja, he spearheaded the formation of Kerala Kalamandalam along the banks of the river Nila, in the Cheruthuruthy village of Thrissur district. Thus opening up an exclusive, elite art form to all, irrespective of class and creed. It aided the region, in its nationalist commitment and also played an important role is establishing a cultural identity.
But our past need not confirm to a single static culture, but must be seen as a composite of multiple cultures that is constantly evolving. And tucked away in the inner fabric of Chakkai, Trivandrum is a modest studio called Bhaskara Arts of Sri. Thrivikraman. B; a master craftsman and Kathakali Chutti artist. A recipient of the State award for his lifelike wooden Kathakali figurines. As an accomplished Kathakali makeup artist and a trained sculptor, he has initiated the craft of creating wooden Kathakali sculptures in different sizes. Each of his wooden sculpture is an exact replica of the original Kathakali characters. All the expressions, mudras, weapons and jewelry are carved out of Kumbil wood ( Gmelina arborea) and painted. The Kathakali costumes are stitched by his wife, Ajitha. His daughters are also Kathakali artists. Cultures are usually dependent on the family, community and education received by the individual. Sri. Thrivikraman's initiation, inspiration and work comes from his father, Kathakali artist Sri Bhaskara. Shastrikal.
This is a family steeped into the culture of Kathakali and has evolved an innovative craft of creating wooden figurines in a region where such a culture is not prevalent. Here a cultural dance form with all its nuances, finds expression as a cultural artifact from Kerala. These miniature Kathakali sculptures are now exhibited in museums, souvenir shops and homes as a metaphor of the classical dance itself. Despite the lack of patronage and irrespective of their context; they mutely represent, an alternate emerging culture. Perhaps this is how all cultural traditions have evolved.
A short film, 'Kathakali veedu' - documenting the process is also a glimpse into the life and dreams of a master craftsman. It is an attempt to understand a young art form from the fringes; of making Kathakali sculptures in a context where doll making is nonexistent and patronage is obsolete.
