Margi Sajeev Narayana Chakyar as the love-smitten Ravana sits glued to his peetam (stool) for a little over three hours and slowly, using only his eyes and face, describes the expressions of Ravana’s ten faces as they react to Sita’s beauty. As Soorpanakha, with the lilting monologue in a crude form of Malayalam, his act evokes sympathy for the demoness. Every role that is physically demanding or needs long periods of concentration is safe in the hands of this versatile actor.
A day-long event on June 2 to honour Sajeev on his 60th birthday was an occasion for the Koodiyattam community to celebrate the art form and at the same time voice concerns about its future. A common refrain heard from many gurus and speakers was the failure to draw new students, especially boys, because of the lack of patronage faced by the artistes. Sajeev, who has spent 45 years as a Koodiyattam actor and guru, says very little has changed in this respect.
“I still remember the day we moved to Thiruvananthapuram from Moozhikkulam with my younger brother Madhu. It was shortly after my arangetram at age 14. The move came after Margi started Koodiyattam classes and my father was appointed the teacher.
We were excited about going to a big city but at the same time like all Koddiyattam practitioners wondered if the artform can provide a livelihood.” Margi Sajeev applying make up before a performance at Ammannur Chachu Chakyar Gurukulam, Irinjalakuda| Photo Credit:THULASI KAKKAT Sajeev recalls with.
