Kalamandalam to introduce traditional art forms as scholarly content to audiences worldwide

Cheruthuruthi: Kerala Kalamandalam, the unique institution which has produced acclaimed artists in its existence of nearly 100 years, will now go global by introducing the state's traditional classical art forms as knowledge domains to the international community. The move comes close on the heels of a few progressive steps taken by the state govt-run deemed-to-be university like allowing male students to enrol in dance courses, recruiting a male instructor in the dance department and permitting non-vegetarian meals for students.Having showcased its talent at numerous global venues over the last few decades, Kalamandalam, which will mark its centenary in 2030, is thus broadening its focus beyond stage presentations to introduce traditional art forms as scholarly content to audiences worldwide, specifically within university academic environments.As a first step, Kalamandalam Festivals will be staged across the US in Aug where academic information will be shared with students through training programmes and discussions, in addition to showcasing talent."We must set a new direction with the changing times by marketing our knowledge along with art forms. We have already prepared a detailed project plan based on academic matters and carried out discussions with universities in the US. We've received offers for collaboration including from the University of Michigan where a team of academicians and performers will visit. We are also exploring the possibility of associating with City University of New York, which is the largest urban university in the US," said Kalamandalam vice-chancellor B Ananthakrishnan."We plan to make a contemporary approach while presenting art forms such as Kathakali to Western audiences, moving away from its previous portrayal. Instead of showcasing them as an exotic oriental spectacle, we want to position them as sophisticated art forms originating from a different continent, rich in knowledge and tradition. Our art forms deserve recognition as an intellectual discipline. Regrettably, many fail to acknowledge that art and culture possess a substantial knowledge foundation," said Ananthakrishnan.The international performances by Kalamandalam have been limited to Kathakali. However, the upcoming US tour will encompass a diverse repertoire also including Kuchipudi, Mohiniyattam and Bharatanatyam. The programme will also include three choreographic pieces inspired by traditional art forms and Koodiyattam. Additionally, the tour will feature a Kathakali music concert and a percussion ensemble. Fourteen distinct art forms will be presented before American audiences. Based on local interest, the institution will conduct Kathakali festivals complemented by theatre workshops. The events will be coordinated in collaboration with university theatre departments and South Asian studies centres, he said.Kalamandalam registrar Rajesh Kumar said the fresh initiative is an attempt to re-establish the institution's global presence through an academic exercise."Artists from Kalamandalam visited China during the time of Vallathol Narayana Menon and another team went on a four-month European trip in the early 1960s. Such international engagements continued actively until the 1990s. Artists from Kalamandalam were too good in staging their art forms but articulation skills were limited. But to compensate for this, there were legendary artists like Killimangalam Vasudevan Namboothiri. There were intellectual discourses with eminent academicians from western world like Richard Schechner and Eugenio Barba, who visited Kalamandalam and held discussions with legendary artists like Painkulam Rama Chakyar and Appunni Tharakan. We must restore those golden periods of Kalamandalam," he said.Rajesh said the Kalamandalam team will give hands-on training to the students of US universities."We will teach the academic lessons of Kathakali from morning to evening. Then only will they get the opportunity to comprehend the performances in the evenings. We will introduce all art forms to an academic sphere. It will attract many students from foreign countries to Kerala, I hope," he said.------------------Curriculum revisionThe authorities of Kalamandalam deemed-to-be university have initiated discussions to restructure its curriculum and align it with modern times. Registrar P Rajesh Kumar said academic restructuring was a must as many course structures have become obsolete."When Vallathol founded the institution, Kathakali was the flagship programme. Students join Class VIII and continue until post-graduation. The course span is valid for a course like Kathakali, but it needs to be assessed whether other streams need it. Students elsewhere complete thimila study in eight months compared to Kalamandalam's eight-year programme. The notable disparity needs to be addressed," he said."We can't move forward without academic empowerment. We should develop civic skills and make all artists well-informed. Only then can they survive. In the digital age, we should design courses accordingly," said Rajesh Kumar.---------------------Financial crisisKalamandalam is experiencing severe financial difficulties, with the delay in the disbursal of staff salary highlighting it. Employees got their wages recently after a two-month delay, with one month's payment still pending for many of them.In Dec 2024, the institution decided to terminate 125 employees, including 69 teachers, due to the financial crisis. Most affected employees were temporary staff members. However, this decision was withdrawn following strong protest. Officials clarified lack of enough non-plan allocation funds led to the decision.The university maintains an authorised staff strength of approximately 150, including teaching faculty, requiring Rs 90 lakh monthly for salary disbursement alone.The institution sustains itself through govt grants and additional revenue generated from organising programmes at various venues. Meanwhile, the university's new academic block is scheduled to open soon.---------------------A TEMPLE OF ARTSKerala Kalamandalam is situated on the banks of Bharathappuzha in Cheruthuruthi, ThrissurMalayalam poet Vallathol Narayana Menon established it in 1930 for the preservation and promotion of Kerala art formsInitially it was a training centre exclusively for Kathakali. Its first venue was Madappattil, Menon's residenceKalamandalam was relocated to its present campus in 1936A grant-in-aid institution of the Kerala govt, Kalamandalam was notified as a deemed-to-be university by the Ministry of Human Resource Development in March 2006, based on UGC's recommendation. The curriculum, starting from Class VIII, includes undergraduate, postgraduate and research coursesEminent dancer Mallika Sarabhai was appointed as the university's chancellor in 2022------------------ CoursesVIII-X - Art high schoolPlus one & plus two - Art higher secondary schoolBAMAThe university also offers MPhil and PhD programmes under faculty of performing arts and faculty of cultural studiesStreamsKathakali vesham (vadakkan)Kathakali vesham (thekkan)Kathakali music (vocal)ChendaMaddalamChuttiKoodiyattam (male characters)Koodiyattam (female characters)ThullalMizhavThimilaMrudangamKarnataka Sangeetham (vocal)MohiniyattamGurukula SystemKalamandalam follows the ancient gurukula tradition. Practice begins at 4.30am and ends at 6.30am. Practice in respective kalari (training class) starts at 9am. Performances of arts are held often in the evenings at Koothambalam. In between, classes are held for school students in general subjects in accordance with modern educational methodologiesStipendRs 1,500 is being provided by the govt monthly as stipend to all 450 students of the university