KOCHI: Incorporating all elements of modern theatre- compere, jester, anti hero and a winning heroine- the ritualistic theatre form mudiyettu was staged at Chottanikkara Devi temple the other day. Viewers were in for a spiritual treat as the rustic nuances of this ancient theatre were presented in the serene atmosphere of the temple.
This programme proved the immense possibilities of this ritualistic art form which used the entire properties available in the environment, including the darkness, in an excellent way.
“Mudiyettu is purely a ritual and is closely related to Devi temples, said M S Sajay, executive officer of Chottanikkara Devi Temple, who lit the traditional bell metal lamp to mark the beginning of this unique ritual. “It symbolically glorifies the divine power of the goddess to trounce evil characters,” he said.
Among myriad characters Kali, representing the goddess, plays the key role. This character is portrayed in the play by merging equal elements of divinity and humanity.
As a curtain raiser a keli was presented with drums and cymbals.
After completing the routine rituals in the sanctum sanctorum of the Keezhkavu Bhagavathy temple, the sword and the crown, termed mudi (head gear), were placed in the sanctum sanctorum for special poojas.
It was followed by the drawing of the sketch of the goddess, kalamezhuthu (floor painting) using traditionally prepared colours. By 9.30 pm, the stage was set in the courtyard of Keezhkavil Bhagavathy temple for the programme.
The play begins with the narration of the story ‘Daarika Vadham’ by the compere in a satirical style. Then comes the entry of the negat ive character Dhaarikan, a part traditionally termed Dhaarikante Purappadu.
The character boasts about his ability to conquer his enemies as he dances to the rhythmic beats of ethnic drums.
After creating a visual impact Dhaarikan vanishes and Dhaanavendran appears on the stage.
Then comes the most auspicious moment in the ritualistic play when the actor who plays Kali puts on the head gear. Actually this process is termed mudiyettu, the title of the play.
The much awaited entry (purappadu) of Kali is next amidst lighted country torches with flames fuelled by the sprinkling of thelli, a specially made powder.
The entry of Kali evokes a divine feeling in the viewers as they become aware of the mystic power of the goddess. After donning the headgear with long hair, Kali roams around the ground in search of Dharikan while a satirical character Kooli imitates the movements of the goddess. Realising the fury of the goddess, Dhaarikan tries to avoid an encounter.
The story tells us how Kali persuades Dharikan to come out of his hiding place. Kali spreads her hair in such a way that it conceals the sun. Thinking the sun has set, Dhaarikan emerges from his hideout and is chased by Kali. He runs around the temple and Kali symbolically conquers him.
Kooli and the compere take off the head gear of the main actor to mark the conclusion of the play.
The actors, led by Keezhillam Unnikrishna Kurup, presented the play without losing the soul of the ritual art form.
Hundreds of devotees gathered on the temple premises to get a glimpse of Kali, surrounded by the flames of country torches with the thunderous rhythmic beats forming the background.
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