Kutiyattam – Jatayuvadham: Exploring Sanskrit Theatre and Tradition

About Kutiyattam – Jatayuvadham

Ascharyachudamani is one of the most important plays in the repertoire of Kutiyattam today. In the play, Ravana appears in disguise as Maya Rama while carrying away Sita in a chariot, with the charioteer disguised as Maya Lakshmana. Sita’s hand touches Ravana, and by the power of the ‘Choodamani’ gem she wears, Ravana's evil spell is removed, his 'maya' ceases to work, and he appears in his true form without realizing the change. While returning to Lanka after abducting Sita, Ravana is challenged by Jatayu. In the ensuing 'marma' war, Ravana lies while Jatayu tells the truth, and Ravana deceptively kills the giant bird before heading for Lanka.

Director

Margi Madhu Chakyar is born into the Moozhikkulam Chakyar family, is the son of Padmasree Moozhikkulam Kochukuttanchakiar, and is a disciple and nephew of Padma Bhushan Ammannoor Madhava Chakyar. He holds an M.A. in Kutiyattam and completed gurukul training at Moozhikkulam and Margi. He has performed widely across Kerala, India, and in more than fifteen countries, and has received honors such as the Sanskriti National Award, Kerala Kalamandalam Award, Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award, and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2022). His works include Attaprakaram compositions, books, academic papers, and international collaborations.

Director’s Note

Kutiyattam is recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity and is the oldest living Sanskrit theatre tradition in the world. Evolved in Kerala over more than a thousand years, it represents a confluence of theatre, ritual, and classical aesthetics rooted in the Natyashastra. Jatayuvadhaṃ is the fourth act of Ashcharyachudamani, written by Sanskrit dramatist Śaktibhadra, and dramatizes Jataayu’s attempt to rescue Sita and his heroic fall. The production uses the performative grammar of Kutiyattam, including codified gestures (mudras), rhythmic precision, expressive elaboration (abhinaya), and live percussion on mizhavu and edakka.

Group

Nepathya was founded in 1998 in Muzhikkulam in central Kerala as a centre for excellence in Kutiyattam. Continuing the legacy of the Ammannoor tradition, Nepathya preserves, performs, and teaches Kutiyattam, and engages in research and revival. The troupe has revived and staged works such as Doothaghatotkacham, Abhijnanasakunthalam Act I, Vichchinnankam, Pratimankam, Atavyankam, Matavilasam, and an adaptation of Macbeth. Nepathya has performed across India and internationally, and presents an annual award in honour of D. Appukkuttan Nair.