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11–14 May 2012 Na Grobli Studio, ul. Na Grobli 30/32 Fri 11 May, 7pm There is a limit of one workshop per person as well. Application form Fee: for both workshops: 250 PLN only kathakali: 150 PLN only kalarippayattu: 100 PLN Contact: Justyna Rodziñska-Nair, justyna@grotowski-institute.art.pl Karunakaran’s extensive experience teaching Kathakali in the West has helped him understand how to teach this difficult and demanding art to non-Indians. The workshop does not aim to produce professional Kathakali actors but to offer an introduction to this illustrious ancient art. It is primarily addressed to drama students but other participants are welcome as well. Physical exercises will benefit anyone who wants to develop the awareness of their body in performance and in daily life. Kathakali (katha means “story”, kali means “play”) is a classical theatre/dance style from Kerala in South India. The roots of Kathakali can be traced back to ancient times, but it was not until the 17th century that it was established in its present form. Through pantomime and dance Kathakali tells stories from great Indian epics Mahabharata and Ramayana. Of all Indian art forms, Kathakali is the richest in mudras, the language of hand gestures. Kathakali actors do not speak on stage. They must be able to express emotions through their bodies and facial expression. Kathakali training is an exercise for both the brain and body memory. It involves a special use of rhythm. Kathakali actors must learn how to keep their bodies and minds in constant contact. This helps them stay both focused and free, becoming the masters of their emotions, minds and body movements (including movements of facial muscles, eyes, eyebrows and lower eyelids), which allows them to stay in control on stage. Kalamandalam Karunakaran was born in Kerala, South India. His father and grandfather were Kathakali actors too. At 13 he began his studies at the prestigious Kalamandalam Institute in Kerala under the two greatest Kathakali masters, Kalamandalam Gopi and Kalamandalam Ramankutty Nair. Eight years later, after completing the course and passing his exams, he obtained a diploma and the honour of preceding his name with the name of the Institute. He stayed in Kerala for three years playing lead roles, and then worked as principal artist and teacher at the International Kathakali Centre in New Delhi. In 1978, in recognition of his high quality work, he was invited to the Mandapa Centre in Paris, where he became the first Kathakali teacher in France and one of the first regular Kathakali teachers working outside of India. Since then he has made Paris his home base. Karunakaran has taught workshops and performed in Europe, Canada, and both Americas, including Martinique and Guadeloupe. In addition to teaching regular classes and workshops and giving performances, Kalamandalam Karunakaran has also collaborated with theatre groups, including Peter Brook’s actors preparing for Mahabharata and Measure for Measure at the Bouffes du Nord Theatre and Ariane Mnouchkine’s Théâtre du Soleil. Karunakaran is one of the few Kathakali masters living outside of India. He had received full traditional training, so he is equally at home with any Kathakali role, male or female. Karunakaran’s partner, Nina, works with him in all performances and workshops. She first saw Kathakali in Paris in 1978. She was so fascinated that she immediately went to India during her summer holidays that year to study in Kerala. When Karunakaran arrived in Paris in late 1978 she joined his regular classes. Soon, she started performing with him. More: www.au126.com/kathakalikaruna
Kalarippayattu has something to offer martial artists, yoga practitioners, actors, dancers and anyone interested in a form of exercise that involves conscious work with body and soul. Through regular practice of Kalarippayattu you achieve flexibility, agility and body coordination; you develop strength, stamina and concentration; and – most importantly – you become aware of your potential and able to control your energy and shape your spiritual mindset. In this Southern Kalarippayattu workshop, participants will learn a traditional salutation, basic movement sequences and the skill of stick spinning. The workshop will also include stretching and strengthening exercises. Kalarippayattu is a martial art from Kerala, South India. Its origins can be traced to at least the 12th century. The name Kalarippayattu means “space/place (kalari) for practice/fight (payattu)”. Kalarippayattu is commonly divided into three styles: Northern (vadakkan), Southern (tekkan) and central. Rich in ritual, each of the styles includes the study of movement sequences, incapacitating locks, close combat techniques, and handling wooden and metal weapons (sticks, knives, swords, and spears) as well as strengthening, stretching and breathing exercises. The styles mostly differ in movement sequences, weapon combat techniques and some exercises. Elements of Kalarippayattu have for centuries been used in the training of Kerala actors and dancers, e.g. in Kathakali. Physical training is complemented by a unique healing system closely related to Ayurveda. It includes, among other things, massages that heal the body and make it more flexible, and the knowledge of marmas, the vital points of the human body. Sankar Lal Sivasankaran Nair is a Kalarippayattu teacher and certified Ayurvedic massage therapist born in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. He studied traditional Kerala instruments and the basics of Kathakali drama and dance. Sankar started studing Kalarippayattu in 1994. His masters have included Tirupuram C. Madhavan (Anjaneya Kalari Sangham), Jayachandran Nair (Kerala School of Martial Arts), Thankappan Assan and Ajith Kumar (Maruthi Marma Chikilsa Kalari Sangham and Ayurveda). Between 2005 and 2008 he worked with Milón Méla, an Indian theatre group, co-conducting numerous workshops and performing at festivals across India and Europe. In 2008 he moved to Wroc³aw, Poland. Sankar teaches Southern Kalarippayattu, collaborates with theatre professionals as teacher and performer, and practices ayurvedic massage. In May 2010, together with Justyna Rodziñska-Nair, he co-founded Studio Kalari. More: www.studiokalari.art.pl
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