Padakam (a traditional art form of Kerala (India)

Padmasree P.K.Narayanan Nambiar enacting the Padakam

Gurukulam Publications:-

Mizhavu (Nambiar's Kramadeepika)
Auther : Guru P.K.Narayanan Nambiar
www.kutiyattam.com
Living Traditio of Anciant indian Theatre


The performances of kutiyattam are highly stylized and choreographed unlike any other performances, classical or folk. And the Nambiars are invariably the master stage-hands directing and controlling each performance from the lighting of the lamp at start to the final extinction of it at end.

Since the success of the stage performance depends largely on the use of percussion,Mizhavu vadakan or player has a crucial role. He should therefore have a full and authoritative understanding of the practice of natya, of rasa, of natakatexts, and the talas and ragas and stage movements of the actors etc.

There is hardly any aspect of this great art. Which is not given adequate exposition in this magnificient account detailed under the head of the magic called mizhavu. The entire account of information presented here is centred around this round drum, which is both vocal and voluble and powerfully evocative and eloguent about the traditional Indian theatre, which has stood the test and trials of time. May it resound through the Coming centuries as well, singing the glories of Koothu, Kutiyattam and Nangiaramma- Koothu as well as those of all the artists of the past, present and future!

One joins his hands in pranams to Paninivadathilakan not only for his gifted and vibrant fingers playing on the Mizhavu, but also for his gifted pen bringing out in amasterly way the intricate harmony of one of the great instruments ever designed by mankind.