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In a documentary film made on Kathakali by
Prakash Jha, chenda maestro Kalamandalam Krishnankutty
Poduval defined the prominence of chenda in Kathakali as
"Kathakali without chenda is like an ocean without waves." ('Matchless genius' by V Kaladharan, The Hindu Friday Review, May 27, 2011) |
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In Seraikella Chhau, the process of mask
making is elaborate and includes layering with paper and
cloth, carving of features with special instruments and
many days of drying in the sun. Four basic colors – white,
black, red and yellow - are used in different combinations
to paint the masks. Since the dancers are masked, the
stylization is important as it brings out the nature of
the character. The Rathri mask is a deep blue with half
closed eyes signifying the peacefulness and rejuvenating
qualities of sleep. ("Magic with masks" by Shalini Umachandran, Hindu, Chennai, Oct 1, 2003) |
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Karthika Tirunal's illustrious successor was
Swati Tirunal. Among those who came to Swati were
Sivanandam and Vadivelu, 2 of the famous Tanjore Quartet
who are responsible for the shaping of the repertoire of
the present day Bharatanatyam. It has been recorded that
Swati encouraged Bharatanatyam and imported dancers from
Tanjavur, Nirajakshi and Satyabhama being 2 of them. It is
said that he married a dancer Sugandhavalli. (Kanak Rele, in chapter "History of Kerala - Its Theatrical Arts and Mohiniattam" in "Mohiniattam: The Lyrical Dance") |
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