Cilappatikaram in Kutiyattam

CILAPPATIKARAM

The Anklet`s Verdict - In Kudiyattam

A powerful reimagining of the ancient Tamil epic Cilappatikaram through the vocabulary of Kutiyattam, the world’s oldest living Sanskrit theatre tradition. This production brings to life the journey of the female protagonist Kannaki, from love and loss to divine justice through deeply expressive and meditative performance.

Rooted in the canonical folds of Kutiyattam yet boldly contemporary in its conception, Director and Actor Sooraj Nambiar crafts a minimal yet emotionally rich theatrical experience that bridges classical literature and modern sensibilities. A rare convergence of Tamil and Sanskrit legacies and an immersive encounter with myth, memory, and the essence of theatre.

Cast & Crew

ACTORS

Sooraj Nambiar

Kapila Venu

Sankar Venkateswaran

Tharun Bharath

MIZHAVU

Kalamandalam Rajeev

Kalamandalam Vijay

IDAYKKA

Kalanilyam Unnikrishnan

THALAM

Kavya Harish

MAKE-UP & CHUTTI

Kalamandalam Vyshak

SUBTITLES

Tushara Meleppattu

LIGHTS

Arun DT

PRODUCTION

Aswathy Sarojini

PHOTOS

Mintu John

About TRIPUDI ART CENTRE & ACTING LABORATORY

Tripudi Art Centre and Acting Laboratory under the aegis of Saro-Savi Cultural Trust is envisioned as a dynamic space that fosters the exploration and presentation of diverse art forms, ranging from folk traditions to contemporary practices. It seeks to move beyond being merely a performance space, evolving instead into a platform for meaningful engagement and critical discourse on art, cultural traditions, and shifting socio-economic contexts. By bringing together practitioners, scholars, and audiences, Tripudi aspires to cultivate an environment where artistic expression and analytical inquiry coexist and enrich one another.

As part of its commitment to preserving and propagating traditional performance vocabularies, Tripudi also functions as an initiative to promote Kutiyattam techniques among actors, dancers, and art enthusiasts. In this direction, it has introduced a series of exclusive workshops under its banner, titled Lochanam, Bhavangikam, and Oli, each focusing on distinct modules that delve into the nuanced aspects of expression, body dynamics, and vocal exploration rooted in classical practice. Through these efforts, Tripudi aims to bridge tradition and contemporary performance training, making these techniques accessible to a wider community of learners.

Major productions of the laboratory include Unmatta Vikramam, Cilappatikaram, and Yayati, reflecting its engagement with classical texts and their reinterpretation for modern audiences.