NCPA@home – Ravanodbhavam

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoBRRMU8Rpc

This is a piece performed as part of our Mudra dance festival themed on humour Hasya. A humorous conversation betweena Ravana the king of Lanka and his brothers – Kumbhakarna and Vibheeshan.

Here is the story Ravana did rigorous and painful  penance to Lord Brahma for thousands of years and obtained  boons to conquer the three worlds. He is invincible and only mere human being can defeat him. Proud Ravana approaches his brothers to know what boons they have obtained. Kumbhakarna who wishes to get the boon to destroy the all celestial beings (Devas) by slip of tongue instead of nirdevathvam he asked for nidravathvam (to sleep always) and he got that. His youngest brother Vibheeshana want to become an ardent devotee of Vishnu and he got that.

This reply made Ravana to laugh at them, he makes fun of them and ridicules them. Here the Hasya can have all the six variations, from Smita the gentle smile to Hasita, Vikasita, Avahasita, Atihasita and Apahasita), which gradually increases to its uncontrolled climax.

About Sadanam Balakrishnan:-  Sadanam Balakrishnan was trained by renowned gurus Ramunni Nair and K. Kumaran Nair. He has specialised in the Kalluvazhi style, besides studying other styles of Kathakali. Balakrishnan has excelled both in performance and teaching of Kathakali. He has performed extensively travelling to over 25 countries, trained and guided several artistes, scripted and directed several new plays. He hasreceived the Parishad Samman of Sahitya Kala Parishad, Delhi and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards for his contribution to Kathakali.

Please note: The videos will be available for a week post the streaming.