Chennai :

It was an attempt to revive the tradition and folk culture at the Rukmani Arundale auditorium of the Tamil Nadu Isai Nataka Manram, recently. The excitement on the faces of the audience bore testimony to the fact that  folklores like Tholpavai or Bommalattam were deeply rooted in them.

The puppetry show was amusing as the group performed with much precision and perfection. The two-day event featured Tholpavai by Paramasiva Rao, with the story ‘Shoorpanagai Vadham’  being staged on the first day and Murugan Bommalattam Sabha by 90-year-old Shankara Narayanan with Seetha Kalyanam.

One could not predict the age of the artiste, who managed to hold the audiences captive. There was also an interactive session  between the artiste and the audience.

Chitra Vishwesaran, member secretary of the manram, said,”Tholpavvai and Bommalattam are dying artforms.  We are very particular that these artforms should be nurtured and must be passed on to the next generation, as they are unique. We have been presenting various festivals like these, such as Panchamoorthi Vizha and Purana Nataka Vizha, which were funded.”

Fascinated by the performances, the audience left the auditorium, hoping for more such events in the city.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Chennai / by Express Features / April 06th, 2015