An epic, retold

The Silappadhigaram dance drama provided a peep into the immortal epic and its relevance to modern times, writes M. ALLIRAJAN

IT IS a well-known story that revolves around three persons. Hundreds of years after Ilango Adigal wrote it, the immortal epic, Silappadhigaram, continues to inspire people. The latest to join the list is Project Siruthuli, a movement to revive water bodies in and around the city.

Brilliant performance

The Kongunadu premiere of Silappadhigaram, the dance drama produced by Avigna ensemble and directed by the Chennai-based Cleveland Cultural Alliance in aid of restoration of the Noyyal, was scintillating.

Mention Silappadhigaram and it is the image of an angry Kannagi with the silambu (anklet) that conjures up.

The packed audience at the PSG Institute of Medical Sciences and Research were transported to the Silappadhigaram era. The finesse of the performers helped you imagine what Kannagi, Kovalan, and Madhavi would've looked like.

The dance-drama opened with a scene of the ancient Chola city, Puhar. Set in Kovalan's home, it was about the happy tidings in the life of the newly-wed Kannagi. The opening lines `Thingalai potrudhum' was well received by the audience.

Romance with Madhavi

The scenes that followed beautifully portrayed Kovalan's romance with Madhavi (starting with Madhavi's dance debut, Kovalan's oodal and finally, the parting of ways).

Avigna had taken special care in designing the wardrobe. So, you had Kannagi sporting the Naga emblem on her jewellery and a Madhavi wearing a 32-strand pearl necklace (as mentioned in the epic).

The drama performed in `two acts' (comprising nine scenes with narration in Tamil by Kanimozhi Karunanidhi and translated in English by Ranjitha Ashok) had the audience spellbound for more than two hours.

Myriad emotions

Mahalakshmi, who donned the role of Kannagi, brought out the myriad emotions - the agony, ecstasy and fury - of the protagonist well. Her poignant portrayal (especially when she weeps over Kovalan's body) won a huge round of applause.

Her shock and disbelief soon give way to seething anger. Anklet in hand, she rushes to the King's court to seek justice.

The confrontation

Though there were many dramatic scenes, it was the `confrontation scene' involving Kannagi and King Nedunchezhiyan that stood out.

Eyes blazing, Kannagi addresses the King and asks him, rather scornfully, to describe the anklet.

When told that the Queen's anklet had pearls, she breaks hers. The King's shock on seeing blood-red rubies spill out, his repentance and the subsequent events were choreographed wonderfully.

The venkotrakudai (white umbrella) falls, Nedunchezhiyan and his wife Queen Kopperundevi give up their life and the ancient city of Madurai goes up in flames.

Finally a temple is built in honour of Kannagi. The message at the end of the show was clear. Like Kannagi, the Noyyal too had to go through turbulent times. Finally, divine justice prevailed. Siruthuli turned the pages of history to bring back the lost beauty and the forgotten heritage of the Noyyal. The drama, according to the organisers, is a dedication to the immortal Kannagi and Madhavi and the resilient spirit of the Noyyal.

Delectable cuisine

At the end of the programme, the audience were treated to a sumptuous feast. To suit the occasion, popular delicacies from Pandya Nadu and Chettinad were offered by Sri Annapoorna Group of Hotels. There was Ilanneer rasam, vellai paniyaram, thavalai vadai, aindhu arisi pongal sambar, kulavai arisi idiappam and a lot more.

In the dessert section, one got to taste kavun arisi alva and paal paniyaram.

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