Witness the artistry of Kutiyattam 

Inbam is inspired by Meena Kandasamy’s translation of Inbathupal - the love poetry from Thirukkuṟaḷ. 

Chapter 4 - Mādhavī

Mādhavī pays homage to Chomāyil Mādhavī Ammā, a Mohinīyattam dancer from 1903s. Very little information is available on this dancer whose home Kapila Venu discovered during one of her evening walks. Mādhavī explores the poetry of desire through Mohinīyattam vocabulary and Sopāna singing.

About the Artist

Kapila Venu is an accomplished practitioner of Kutiyattam and Nangiar Koothu (One of the oldest surviving Theatre and Storytelling traditions of the world originating and practised in South India). She was initiated into these traditions at a very young age.

She is the disciple of the legendary Kutiyattam master - Guru Ammannur Madhava Chakyar, renowned Kutiyattam practitioner and actor-trainer - Guru G Venu and foremost female practitioner of Kutiyattam - Guru Usha Nangiar. Kapila has also trained in Mohiniyattam classical dance for several years under her mother, eminent teacher and scholar - Guru Nirmala Paniker.

Kapila has been active as a performer of Kutiyattam since a young age. Her repertoire comprises both traditional performances and new experiments. She aspires to explore the depths of traditions and at the same time find other than the regular possibilities, spaces and people for her art.

Kutiyattam is the only artform that combines Sanskrit drama with traditional Koothu dance. 

Credits:

Kapila Venu - Performance & Choreography

Kalamandalam Jayaprakash - Vocal

Kalanilayam Unnikrishnan - Idakka

Sankar Venkateswaran - Dramaturgy and Direction

Masoom Parmar,Alif Arts Consultancy - Producer for Kapila Venu

Prathwin K Udupi - Light Design

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G5A 

produces and co-creates interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary work that is bold, experimental, and just.

Through In Residence, we work with contemporary, visionary artists to bring their ideas and concepts to life through conversations, space for rehearsals and workshops, along with presenting long runs of their work.