• October 27, 2024

“Thadaka and Ravanaputhri” in London: Kala honours Vayalar Sharathchandra Varma at annual day

“Thadaka and Ravanaputhri” in London: Kala honours Vayalar Sharathchandra Varma at annual day

LONDON October 27: Two of Vayalar Ramavarma’s most cherished poems, Thadaka enna Dravida Rajakumari and Ravanaputhri, were brought to life as captivating dance dramas before an enthralled audience in London.

This production was part of KALA (UK)’s 28th Annual Day celebrations titled Vayalar Sandhya in London, honouring the legendary poet and lyricist Sri Vayalar Ramavarma.

The evening’s chief guest was his son, the celebrated lyricist Vayalar Sharathchandra Varma.

The event commenced with a traditional thalapoli welcome and ceremonial lamp lighting, followed by a graceful mohiniyattam performance set to KALA’s theme song, setting a reverent tone for the evening’s tributes to Vayalar Ramavarma. Mr. T. Ramachandran, chairman of Bristol Laboratories, presented the Kala Puraskaaram award to Vayalar Sharathchandra Varma, while retired DGP Jacob Punnoose and renowned cine actor Dr. Mohandas attended as guests of honour.

KALA’s patron Dr. Sukumaran Nair, President Dr. Nanu Kandiyil, and Secretary Mr. Sreeram Pillai felicitated the esteemed guests, marking the event’s importance.

KALA dancers enlivened the atmosphere with a dynamic performance, setting the stage for a highlight of the evening: a docudrama tracing the life and legacy of Vayalar Ramavarma. This was followed by two captivating dance-drama renditions of his beloved works, Thadaka enna Dravida Rajakumari and Ravanaputhri, which vividly portrayed the timeless beauty of his poetry. Both the docudrama and the dance dramas were conceptualised and directed by KALA UK’s arts secretary, Ajay Chandran.

After dinner, the program continued with Mukhamukham, an insightful conversation with Vayalar Sharathchandra Varma, who shared personal reflections on his life and creative path.

The evening concluded with Sandhya Mayangum Neram, a live music program that filled the air with melodies, leaving the audience deeply moved by the poetic and musical homage to Vayalar Ramavarma.