In the wee hours of the morning, hundreds of students wake up, walk hastily to their kalaries (ateliers) and start repeating their practical lessons from the previous day. Some do their body exercises while others roll their eyeballs in defined patterns with great precision. In another kalari, the sounds of morning riyaaz blend with the songs of cuckoos and nightingales welcoming the sunrise. Those specialising in make-up and costumes used in Kathakali and Kutiyattam can be seen engrossed in embellishing faces of noble, wicked and grotesque characters, with needle-like precision, on earthen pots.

Such is the exuberance of Kerala Kalamandalam, which is synonymous with classical and traditional performance forms of Kerala. Once you step into the lush green precincts of Kalamandalam, you are in a world strikingly different from the mundane stresses and strains of life. Mythological heroes and heroines embrace you through lilting melodies and visuals. The dancing gods and demons in the Kathakali and Kutiyattam kalaries speak to you in a stylised language of hand gestures and facial expressions occasionally interspersed with a dose of realism.

Kerala Kalamandalam is a revered institution that stands as a beacon of traditional arts in India, particularly in the state of Kerala. Founded in 1930 by eminent poet Vallathol Narayana Menon and his close friend and art aficionado Mukundaraja, with liberal material support from Kakkad Madappattil Valiya Kunjunni Raja, Kalamandalam has been instrumental in preserving and propagating the rich cultural heritage of Kerala, especially in the domains of Kathakali, Mohiniattam, Kutiyattam, Thullal and various other classical and traditional performance forms.

Rabindranath Tagore’s Santiniketan and Rukmini Devi Arundale’s Kalakshetra Foundation were probably an abiding inspiration for Menon in his mission to establish Kalamandalam against all the odds. This historic step brought Kathakali, Kutiyattam and Mohiniattam from the confines of temple walls and the courts of provincial chieftains to the public sphere. It opened up opportunities for aspirants to learn and perform these art forms cutting across the barriers of community, caste and religion. From the sacred realm of devotion, the arts and artistes gradually began to carve out a broader aesthetic space in the changing sociocultural environment of modern democratic India. Without this timely intervention, many of the leading traditional performing arts, which were often patronised by feudal families, would have become extinct.

Having moved to its permanent location on the banks of River Nila in 1936, today Kerala Kalamandalam is not merely a strictly residential educational institution but a cultural sanctuary where the essence of Kerala’s artistic traditions is meticulously nurtured and passed down through generations.

With an ever-growing number of students and sufficiently augmented teaching strength for various disciplines of art which have been introduced over time, Kalamandalam moved to Vallathol Nagar in 1971, which now functions as its main campus. This 33-acre sprawling property, rich with local flora and fauna, is vibrant with the charm and energy of several hundred students with creative aspirations. The edifice of the Koothambalam, the traditional temple-theatre of Kerala suited for the staging of Kutiyattam and Nangyarkuttu, is a marvellous example of the state’s architecture at Kalamandalam.

Kerala Kalamandalam has been functioning as a grant-in-aid institution under the Cultural Affairs Department, Government of Kerala; from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India and from the Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi. It has also received support for Kutiyattam from Funds-in-Trust established by the Government of Japan under UNESCO projects to safeguard intangible heritage. In 2007, the Government of Kerala elevated this institution as a deemed university for art and culture.

Over the years, Kalamandalam has been a major destination for scholars and practitioners of performance arts worldwide. European and American scholars such as Alice Boner, Beryl de Zoete, Clifford Jones, Peter Brook, Milena Salvini, Eugenio Barba, Phillip Zarrilli, Ariane Mnouchkine have visited Kalamandalam in pursuit of their artistic endeavours.

One of the most notable aspects of the institution is its adherence to the guru-shishya parampara, wherein knowledge and skills are imparted through rigorous training and personal guidance. This age-old tradition fosters a deep sense of discipline, dedication and reverence among the students towards their art forms and gurus. Over 600 students across seven departments, with some joining at the age of 14 and many leaving at 23 only after their post-graduation, are part of Kalamandalam. The student-teacher ratio is 4:1 and all the students are fully supported by the government.

Kathakali, the iconic classical dance-drama of Kerala, holds a special place at Kalamandalam. Here, students undergo extensive training in the elaborate gestures, expressions and body movements that characterise this vibrant art form. Similarly, Mohiniattam, the graceful dance form known for its lyrical movements and subtle expressions, is taught with precision and finesse.

Kutiyattam, recognised by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2008, is another jewel in Kalamandalam’s crown. This ancient Sanskrit theatre form, with its intricate mudras and consummate acting that invoke rasa, finds new life through the dedicated efforts of the institution.

Apart from formal education, Kerala Kalamandalam also serves as a platform for performances, workshops, seminars and research activities aimed at promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of the state’s traditional arts. Its magnificent Koothambalam comes alive almost every evening with live performances by the best artistes. The annual cultural event, Nila Festival, generally held in December and January, is a prestigious platform for artistes, scholars and art enthusiasts from across the globe, further enriching the cultural landscape of the region. Tourists who seek cultural experiences find Kerala Kalamandalam to be a rewarding inclusion to their itinerary.

Over the years, the institution has produced a galaxy of eminent artistes who have not only upheld the legacy of Kerala’s traditional arts but have also made significant contributions to the global cultural scene. Many of them are recipients of national honours, including Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri and Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards and Fellowships.

In essence, Kerala Kalamandalam stands as a bastion of culture, where the past converges with the present to shape the future of classical arts in India. Its unwavering commitment to excellence, coupled with its reverence for tradition, makes it a true gem in the cultural tapestry of the state. With its centenary round the corner, the institution is marching ahead with novel initiatives that seek to further spread the spirit of the arts of Kerala.

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Pull Quote 1: Founded in 1930 by renowned poet Vallathol Narayana Menon and his close friend and art aficionado, Mukundaraja, Kerala Kalamandalam has been instrumental in preserving and propagating the rich cultural heritage of Kathakali, Mohiniattam, Kutiyattam, Thullal and various other classical and traditional performance forms from Kerala

Pull Quote 2: Over the years, Kalamandalam has welcomed scholars such as Alice Boner, Beryl de Zoete, Clifford Jones, Peter Brook, Milena Salvini, Eugenio Barba, Phillip Zarrilli and Ariane Mnouchkine, who have found inspiration here in pursuit of their artistic endeavours

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This article was originally published in the August 2024 issue of ON Stage.

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