Kathakali act draws out Indian mythology

A unique festival of classical

Kathakali

dances called

YakshaKathi Samaroh

just began in Bhopal at the Tribal Museum. On the very first day, it began with

Keechak Vadh Prasang

which won a lot of applause from the audience. The act presented by artistes from Kerela, is actually based on a chapter from the epic

Mahabharata

, where the second pandava Bhim finishes off Keechak, who tried to get close to his wife

Draupadi

.

The original performance goes back to early 1800s when

Irayimman Thampi

, a well known carnatic musician from Travancore created it.
The story begins when Pandavas are banished into exile and roamed aimlessly in forests with their wife Draupadi. After 12 years of exile, they had to complete a one-year term in Agyatvas or incognito exile, which was a very difficult time for them. The Pandavas' powerful personalities made it very difficult to hide their true identities. During that year, when powerful prince Keechak tired to harrass their wife Draupadi, he is drawn into a duel at night and flung out of the planet by the mightiest pandava brother Bhim. The story was divided into seven scenes and presented in the form of a dance-drama.

Although it was a dance performance, artistes were successfully able to convey the story to the audience with their dance, expressions and especially with their eyes. The audience was mesmerised by how powerful the dance form of Kathakali is in telling a story. Guru Kalamandalam Balasubramanyam who played Keechak, also directed the two-hour dance programme. Kalamandalam Shivadasan played Draupadi, while Kalamandalam Gopalkrishnan played Bhim. The story was presented effectively with the help of lights and props.