THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Rage. That’s the first word which festers within actor-cum-playwright Sajitha Madathil’s mind when she thinks of the intimidating deity Kaali. This train of thought prompted her into penning a play centred around the centuries-old Kaali-Darika folktale traditionally presented in Mudiyettu dance performances.
The play—produced under the banner of city-based Lokadharmi theatre collective—has received rave reviews at ITFOK in Thrissur and amassed eight nominations for the upcoming 12th edition of Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards (META) festival in Delhi (March 4-9). Sajitha explains that the drama’s theme is supremely relevant today.
“We live in an age where iron, Kaali’s weapon of choice, is shoved inside the genitals of teenage girls. Even though such atrocities against women across the nation are rampant, parents of young girls still use the old adage: Suppress your unbridled aggression, else you’ll look like bhadrakaali,” shares the Shutter star, who has given a contemporary twist to this 75-minute-long showcase.
Ritual and realism
The story unfolds in a village called Valiyannur where this ritualistic play was banned 51 years ago because the actor playing Kaali killed the actor portraying the demon king Darika onstage.
Fast forward to 2017 and the much-hyped play is revived due to public demand. But, fate had other plans.
“In a trance during the show, the women activist who characterised Kaali (Sajitha) murders the notorious landlord (Zumesh Chittooran) playing Darika,” describes the acclaimed actor, elaborating, “What follows, is something we see on a daily basis.
Cops call it a heinous crime as Kaali is a Dalit activist asserting revenge against the lecherous zamindar; the media milks the event for maximum TRP ratings and pious devotees see the incident as Goddess Kaali righting the wrongs in the world.”
Transforming tradition
Directed by National Award-winning stage veteran Chandradasan A, this showcase ropes in some of the biggest names in regional theatre. In fact, to maintain authenticity many of these veterans spent months learning the intricacies of folk theatre and kalamezhuthu under the watchful eye of Guru Narayana Kurup.
While composer Paris Chandran crafted original tracks, National Award-winning artiste Pattanam Rasheed handled make-up design. “You don’t need an in-depth knowledge of mythology or be a theatre aficionado to appreciate this simple play.
Despite the deep-rooted traditional elements, Kaali Naadakam is a contemporary work of art which highlights India’s caste and social justice barriers,” states Chandradasan.
On March 5. At JTPAC. From 7 pm.Rs 500 onwards. Details: in.bookmyshow.com