80-year-old Kathakali exponent Kalamandalam Gopi talks about challenges of the art form

He is the doyen of Indian classical dance forms. His Kathakali mask symbolises the South Indian state of Kerala. And even at the age of 80, he eagerly looks forward to his next 'pacha' (pious) character. Meet Vadakke Manalath Govindan Nair - the man, the maverick and the maven. After more than six decades in this field, the Kathakali exponent, popularly known as Kalamandalam Gopi, is shouldering the responsibility of keeping the classical dance-drama alive in Kerala.
In 2013, for the first-time ever, a four-part Kathakali play was held in Abu Dhabi and Gopi performed on all the four days. Ever since, it has become a regular feature and each year has seen the artiste essay a different character. This time, Abu Dhabi Kathakali Festival 2017 staged three plays of Irayimman Thampi, whose compositions include the lullaby Omanathinkal Kidavo.
Keechakavadham (the slaying of Keechaka), Uttaraswayamvaram (Uttara's wedding) and Dakshayagam (fire-sacrifice of Daksha) were staged on two days. And for a change, Gopi played a 'kathi' (villain) character of Duryodhana in Uttaraswayamvaram.

A heavy-duty performance
Kathakali, he said, is not just Kerala's classical dance form but India's gift to the world. "Kathakali is the most difficult of dance forms to perform on stage.A character's dialogues are expressed through mudras (hand signs) and facial expressions," the guru said during the Abu Dhabi Kathakali Festival, where he mesmerised audience with back-to-back performances.
Are changes being made to the art form to attract a young audience?  
"Getting popularity and being well-received by youngsters is essential but we can't change the way a classical dance form is being performed. The distinct style and structure of Kathakali cannot and should not be changed."
As an alternative, he suggested that Kathakali be made part of the school curriculum.
"This is a good way to keep this classical art form alive and get youngsters interested."
Kathakali is a heavy-duty performance. The make-up of this colourful dance form takes some six hours. And one performance will last 3-4 hours, making it a total effort of 10 hours or more for one story play.
"The life of a Kathakali artiste is very challenging. There needs to be a fire in the belly to earnestly pursue this art," he says.
He still visits his alma mater Kerala Kalamandalam, which is the top learning centre for Indian performing arts. The guru stressed that disciples need to read to do justice to their performance.
Gopi has mostly essayed Nalan from the four-part play Nalacharitham. The romantic work of art tells the story of King Nalan and Damayanthi. Other characters essayed by him include Arjun, Karna, Bhima and Krishna.
"I will continue to perform till my last breath," the guru added.
India Social and Cultural Centre, Kerala Social Centre, Manirang, Sakthi Theatres jointly organised the two-day Abu Dhabi Kathakali Festival.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com