Human life is incomplete and impossible without cultural identity, which is the essence of human dignity. When migrants go to distant shores, they take along with them aspects of their culture, which then mixes in with the local cultures to create unique cultural expressions. Chavittu Natakam, India's most ancient Maritime theatre tradition is a cultural expression which came out of such a mixing of cultures - drawing from the European operatic tradition carried by the Portugese Christian missionaries who came to Kerala's shores post the 15th century, and mixing in with the local Kerala martial arts and dramatic traditions. Chavittu Natakam tells stories from Christian legend and uses western operatic costumes and aesthetic elements of European opera along with the facial abhinaya unique to Indian performance tradition. The form is further infused with influences from Kathakali and the martial traditions of Kerala. In fact, Chavittu Natakam means the rhythmic steps which accompany the recitation of the lines of the libretto, producing resonant sounds to accentuate dramatic situations. Foot-stamping dance, fighting and fencing are essential parts of Chavittu Natakam.

Chavittu Nätakam attributes great importance to the the performance manual, (Chuvati) which codifies everything from the rituals performed from the beginning of rehearsals up to the actual performance. The plays were probably written originally in Chentamil (ancient Tamil), for the texts in circulation at present show a mixture of Tamil and Malayalam. The Chuvatis are considered by Ãsãns (Masters) to be their personal property to be handed down orally through heredity, and hence they are never shared with others or printed. The performers consider the traditional performance manual (chuvatis) as divine property and handle them with utmost reverence.



The most celebrated play in this genre is undoubtedly KÃRALMÃN NÃTAKAM. The drama focuses on the heroism of the Emperor Charlemagne the great, his men and nephew legendary Roland. This story was popular in southern Europe up to the middle of the twentieth century.

On its 22nd anniversary, Keli continues its commitment to preserving, developing and propagating the enormously exciting cultural heritage of India with a theatre festival dedicated to Chavittu Natakam. This is the first time this art form will be presented in Mumbai.

Following is the schedule of the festival:

Day 1
Venue: Y.B.Chavan Centre, opp Mantralaya
Date: Thursday, January 9 2014 | Time: 6.45 pm

Inaugural Program
Function
Felicitating Artists

Performance of Chavittu Natakam
Story: Karalman Charitham (Charelsmagne) Part 1
Written by : Chinnathambi Annavi
Presented by: Yuvajana Chavittunataka Kalasamithi Gothuruth
Directed by: Thampi Payyappilly

Synopsis

The participating artistes enter the stage and pay their obeisance to the Goddess Nature and the audience and narrate the story briefly. Then we move on to the court scene of the Emperor Charlemagne the great. After listening to news from the realm, Charlemagne sends a messager to Turkey with a message conveying his decision to wage a war with Turkey. Next is the court scene of the king of Turkey, Al Biranth. Charelsmagne's messenger arrives and hands over the message about the impending war to the king. Al Biranth holds consultations with his minister and the commander-in- chief of the army about the war. Emperor Charlemagne after offering prayers to God, sets out with his army to begin the war with Turkey.

Day 2
Venue: Y.B. Chavan auditorium,Opp. Mantralaya
Date: Friday, Jan 10 2014 | Time : 7.30pm
Story: Karalman Charitham (Charelsmagne) Part 2

Synopsis

The participating artistes enter the stage and pay their obeisance to the Godess Nature and the audience and narrate the story briefly. Then comes the court scene of Al Biranth. Al Biranth's son Perabras, angry at the defeat of his father at the hands of Charlemagne, seeks permission from the king to fight against Charlemagne. Next is the court scene of Charlemagne. Charlemagne directs his nephew Roland to face Perabras who had arrived in France with his army. Roland in defiance of the king refuses to go to the war. Charlemagne who is already wounded in the earlier battle decides to go to war himself. A brave soldier of Charlemagne's army, Oliver goes to the king and asks for his permission to go and fight against Perabras in order to protect the honour of the country. Pleased with the Oliver's self-confidence and patriotism, Charelsmagne gives him the permission asked for. Oliver faces Parabras in the battlefield. Oliver challenges Perabras for a duel with him. Perabras lifts his heavy armour off his chest and mockingly challenges Oliver to engage in a duel with him.

Day 3
Venue: Prithvi Theatre, Juhu, Vile Parle.
Date: Jan 11 2014 | Time: 7pm and 9pm
Story: Karalman Charitham (Charelsmagne) Part 3 ( Subtext)
Name of Subtext: Story of Anjelikka
Written by : Raphel Acharuparambil
Presented by: St. Rocky's Nrutha Kalabhavan, Pallippuram
Directed by: Alex Thalooppaadath, disciple of late Guru Antony Charamkulam

Synopsis

Angelika is the beautiful and well-behaved daughter of Abdu Rahman, king of Turkey. The king's sister, an astrologer, predicts that Angelika would be attracted to and subjugated by someone belonging to the Christian faith.Abdurahman places Angelika under house arrest. Charlemagne's nephew Roland hears about the beauty of Angelika and decides to make her his own. Roland and his friend Richard discuss the strategy to achieve this. Roland makes a golden lion and takes it stealthily to Angelika's room in the palace. Angelika realises the depth of Roland's love for her and agrees to go with him to France. Roland frees her from house arrest and both of them leave for France.

(Free entry passes available at Y.B. Chavan centre, Rhythm House, Prithvi Theatre, Maharashtra Watch Company, Dadar and Giri stores Matunga)

About Keli

Keli is a Mumbai based charitable organisation striving to preserve, develop and propagate the classical and traditional cultural heritage of India. Keli has been active in this field from the past several years and during this period, has successfully handled a number of important projects in furtherance of its objectives. The annual Keli festivals, structured thematically every year, are well known to artists and art lovers of the city and have earned the organisation a significant place in the cultural life of Mumbai.

Mumbai Theatre Guide takes no responsibility for change in schedule.