Tholpavakoothu - Puppet play

'Tholpavakoothu' - shadow puppet play with leather puppets was sponsored by Indian Council of Cultural Research, Trivandrum at the Theerthapada mandapam, East Fort on Saturday, 19th June 2010. Pulavar Ramachandran and his team performed 'Ramayana'. This unique form of art,  with its skilfully manipulated  animated leather figures was well appreciated by the select audience. The commentary was in a mixture of Malayalam, Sanskrit and Tamil. Perhaps, they could have tried out some innovations in the vocal and musical support, like including female voice.

Vyloppilli Samskriti Bhavan

Now I am on the mailing list of Vylopilli Samskriti Bhavan.

During the last Nangyar koothu performance, I dropped my lens pouch in the Koothambalam. I could retrieve it three days later thanks to Ms. Annie, the programme officer and other friendly staff of the Bhavan. Annie has also put me on the mailing list for the monthly programmes. No more straining to read the "Today's Engagement' column in the Hindu.

Last Saturday, I missed the Chakyar Koothu by Margi Chakyar. The next two programmes are Malayalam Drama and poetry evenings. I may give them a go-by.

Third International Documentary & Short Film Festival of Kerala

The Third International Documentary & Short Film Festival of Kerala was inaugurated on 11th June. It will go on till the 15th. Most of the shows will be in the Government owned twin theatres, Kairali and Sree, located in the busy Thampanoor area close to the train station and bus terminus.

The inaugural film was The Children of the Pyre - the life, laughter and lament of the children of the funeral ghat Manikarnika at Varanasi.

On Saturday, I watched Kabira Khada Bazaar Mein - of the Kabir series by Shabnam Virmani. The 94 minute film beautifully explores the conflict between the sacred and the secular, by highlighting the dilemma of a Kabir panth mahant, Prahladji. The mahant was present during the screening and was available for interaction after the show.

The festival website is at: http://www.iffk.in/