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Kathaprasangakalayude Nalvazhikal
276 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2012
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March 29, 2023
'Kathaprasangakalayude Nalvazhikal' proves to be a godsent to to not just anyone researching the artform of Kathaprasangam, but also to generally anyone who is interested in the transformation of the social ethos of Kerala that is reflected in its cultural productions throughout the twentieth century. Surendran does a fantastic job of explaining in detail every possible temple artform that Kathaprasangam might have taken its inspiration from; and how it grew out of those previously celebrated molds - form to theme to space to spectacle - to something much more palatable, democratic, and deservedly, popular.
There's a shockingly extensive list (with photographs) of famous Kathaprasangam artistes, and one finds it a pleasant surprise to see that due credit is given to female artistes such Harippad K. Saraswati Ammal, Alappuzha Aysha Begum, and Ramla Begum - names that often go unmentioned in the sway of V. Sambasivan, C. A. Satyadevan, P. C. Abraham, M. P. Manmadhan etc.
Surendran's narration is not wordy or complex. It has an ease and relatability that makes the comprehensive chronicle a hearty read.
There's a shockingly extensive list (with photographs) of famous Kathaprasangam artistes, and one finds it a pleasant surprise to see that due credit is given to female artistes such Harippad K. Saraswati Ammal, Alappuzha Aysha Begum, and Ramla Begum - names that often go unmentioned in the sway of V. Sambasivan, C. A. Satyadevan, P. C. Abraham, M. P. Manmadhan etc.
Surendran's narration is not wordy or complex. It has an ease and relatability that makes the comprehensive chronicle a hearty read.
Displaying 1 of 1 review