Relax, Refresh, Reconnect

 

Dear Anne, 

It was another mesmerizing day with full of Positivity and happiness. It was our Art and Aesthetic visit - A journey to Guru Gopinath Natanagramam,Vattiyoorkavu .A cultural institution functioning under the Department of Culture, Government of Kerala.A centre for learning, training and research in various Indian Dance forms, particularly Kerala Natanam, the dance form composed by the maestro Guru Gopinath.

A morning prayer session was conducted before the journey. Benedict sir gave a short speech about the Natanangram, its magical world, and some instructions also. We went by bus, and Ancy maam, Maya maam, Joju sir was along with us. The bus journey interesting nd excited. We made it immemorable by singing songs, enjoying snacks and chit chat with friends. I understand that  journey with friends is always enjoying and interesting. 

We reached there 10.40am and, we are welcomed by welcome drinks, and the outer view was awesome and generating curiosity. My eyes stucked in the beauty of the ambiance and surroundings .A green world... pouring freshness and positivity. 

About Guru Gopinath Natanagramam

The Guru Gopinath Natanagramam is a cultural institution functioning under the Department of Culture,Government of Kerala. It was Started in 1994,the Centre, named after the late Dr. Guru Gopinath, a pioneer reformer of Kathakali dance. The Guru Gopinath Natanagramam has been established as a centre for learning, training and research in various Indian Dance forms, particularly Kerala Natanam,the dance form composed by the maestro Guru Gopinath. The institution carries on the attempts initiated by the Guru to popularize the dance forms of Kerala and to find fresh talents. Pioneering the training and development of the Kerala Natanam style of dancing, promotion of all Indian classical and folk dance forms and setting up of audio visual library and research Centre, organizing dance festivals are the other aims of the society.

 About Guruji

Guru Gopinath was born in 1908 to a family whose menfolk had for generations appreciated and engaged in the performance of the art form Kathakali. Along with the American dancer with Indian connections,Ragini Devi,  found the costumes, trinkets, and make-up used in Kathakali and its staging obstructing its appreciation outside Kerala. Hence, they experimented with a simpler and more compact artform without losing the beauty and conventional flavor of Kathakali. Their devotion to the cause soon found success and marked the evolution of Kerala Natanam.  

    

The life devoted to performance and promotion of 

dance ended, quiet fittingly, on stage engaged in

the art he loved and enriched. Guru Gopinath left a rich

legacy that continues inspiring generations

that followed him. Establishing a National Dance 

Museum is part of his mission and this proposal is

step forward in fulfilling that dream.

  

We explored the museum with big eyes. We realized the real story of Kerala art forms- Kathakali, Theyam, Mohiniyattam, Kerala Nadanam a lot of unfamiliarized art forms also. We travelled through their history, dressing style, traditions etc. Not  only the arts in Kerala, but also of all over the world gave us a mesmerizing journey .

It was infinite.... a remember to our culture and traditions. Remembering how the culture has evolved as we live today. A journey to our Roots....

Then we watched a short documentary about Theyam in their 5D theatre, a mind-blowing experience ...

a mix of culture, traditions, emotions...heart touching picturization of Theyam.

  

    

    

    

Later we had a presentation session by Dr. Sajeev Nair, is a Doctoral degree holder (PhD) in Engineering Science,, Graduate Electrical Engineer, Chartered Engineer, Life time Member and Fellow of Institution of Engineers, Life Member of National Safety Council and ISTD, Lead IMS auditor, with additional International Qualifications in Learning and Competency. Currently he is the Senior Vice President – Learning and Development, and Head, Manufacturing at Reliance Industries Limited .He has acted in over 500 plays while directed and produced many as well. The student and follower of Guru Gopinath. Belives and advocates in ,

          'The true objective of theatre is staying true to our roots'

   

   

He led us to the world of Kerala Natanam, Abhinaya, Mudras, Nava rasas. His facial expressions, body and hand movements, eye movement was great lessons for us. an interesting session filled with curiosity.

    

    

Realised, 

"Art has a power to Transform, to Illuminate, to Educate , Inspire and Motivate...."

Later we had our lunch by sitting on the floor, chatting with friends, sharing foods....remembering the school days....moments of refreshing mind and soul.

Then we returned back to home with full of positivity, a kind of refreshing ....

The Natanagram taught me, 

            "Art is not what you see, but what you make others to see"

and someone whispering in my ear,

    Art is the highest form of Hopes.... A journey of free soul