Kalamandalam

Towards the close of the nineteenth century the traditional arts of Kerala were on the verge of extinction. The scenario changed with the advent of twentieth century, which witnessed a cultural renaissance all over India. In Kerala, this was realized through few committed souls, and the name of Vallathol Narayana Menon stands apart. Besides being an outstanding poet and scholar, Vallathol was a passionate lover of Kathakali and other similar classical dance-theatre traditions of Kerala. With the invaluable support of Kakkad Karanavappad, an eminent scholar, and Manakkulam Mukundaraja, a devoted cultural activist, he established ‘KERALA KALAMANDALAM’ in 1930, along the banks of the River Bharathapuzha in Cheruthuruthy, a small village in the northern fringe of Thrissur District.

The birth of Kalamandalam marked the first institutional step in the cultural history of Kerala to start training in classical performing arts, which were so far left to the patronage of provincial kings and landlords. Vallathol spared no attempts to see that Kathakali, the classical dance-theatre and Mohiniyattam, the classical female dance of Kerala, flourished in the fertile campus of Kalamandalam. At Vallathol’s invitation many stalwarts like Pattikkaamtodi Ravunni Menon and others joined Kalamandalam and contributed their mite to the popularity of Kalamandalam.

For training in Mohiniyattam, eminent artistes viz. Korattikkara Krishna Panickar, Madhavi Amma, Kalyani Amma and Chinnammu Amma graced the koothambalam with their profound knowledge and experience. Their disciples Kalamandalam Kalyanikutty Amma and Kalamandalam Sathyabhama developed the aesthetics of Mohiniyattam and earned for it the
recognition it amply deserved. In 1965 Kalamandalam added Koodiyattam, the only extant stylized Sanskrit theatre having a tradition of two thousand years to its curriculum. From 1965 Koodiyattam, Koothu and Nangiarkoothu were made available in Kalamandalam for study for anyone interested. Recently, UNESCO recognized Koodiyattam as an illustrious example of manifestation of the heritage of human culture and the contribution of Kalamandalam in this regard is significant.

Other performing arts taught at and performed by Kalamandalam are classical Carnatic music (vocal) Thullal, a semi- classical solo dance-drama, Panchavadyam, an example of one of the wonderful instrumental ensembles of Kerala and Mridangam, the foremost among the percussion instruments in Carnatic music. Kalamandalam offers specially designed introductory courses in all aspects of Kathakali, Koodiyattam, Mohiniyattam and the vocal and instrumental modes of classical music. Training will expose individuals to the diverse performance traditions in Kerala.

Crash courses are also available at Kalamandalam in Kathakali, Koodiyattam, Mohiniyattam, vocal music and in the various percussion instruments. These courses are for a minimum period of three months to a maximum period of two years.

Tradition is no barrier to Kalamandalam in dealing with the riddles of the present and those of the future. It is on the other hand a moral and cultural stimulant that helps Kalamandalam forge ahead.

Address
KERALA KALAMANDALAM
Cheruthuruthy – 679 531
via Thrissur, India
Fax: 91- 4884 - 262019
Telephone: 91 4884 262418, 262562
Email: info@kalamandalam.org Website: http://www.kalamandalam.org/