At a time when controversies are rife that no traditional art forms have been given significant participation at the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, the stage is set for their conduct in the city.
“By the end of December, the traditional art forms will be showcased in the heart of the city,” said Riyas Komu, Biennale Foundation secretary and curator.
“We have started it already. Mattanchery and Gothuruthu village are some of the venues. But, this is for the first time that the traditional art forms will be screened in the heart of the city,” he said.
It will begin with Rudra Veena recital by Bahauddin Dagar at A J Hall Kaloor. Usha Nangiar, renowned Nangiarkoothu artist from the state, will perform Nangiarkoothu as well as Koodiyattam as part of the biennale. The venues will be A J Hall, Kaloor, and Kathakali Club at Tripunithura respectively. Mattannur Sankarankutty Marar, Sreekanth and Sreeraj will perform Triple Thayambaka.Other prominent artists who will take part in biennale are Peruvanam Kuttan Marar, Ashwini Bhinde-Deshpande, Kalamandalam Ramachandran Unnithan, Sreevalsan J Menon, Meera Nangiar, Jayaprabha Menon, Kalamandalam Sarmila, VKK Hariharan and Umayalpuram K Sivaraman. A J Hall, Kaloor, Kathakali Club, Tripunithura and Changampuzha Park at Edappally will be the major venues.