Varanattu Sankara Narayana Kurup is one of the contemporary exponents and performing artists of the folk theatre and ritual art of Kerala, Mudiyettu. Belonging to one of the traditional families of present regular performers of Mudiyettu, Varanattu Kurup at Koratty in the Thrissur district, Sankara Narayana Kurup is one of the leading artists of the family alongside Varanattu (Nanu) Narayana Kurup. Sankara Narayana Kurup along with his team has presented the ritualistic dance drama in many Bhadrakali temples in South and Central Kerala.
Contribution of Varanattu Sankara Narayana Kurup in Mudiyettu
Born in 1946, Varanattu Sankara Narayana Kurup is the son and disciple of Late Varanattu Madhava Kurup. After the death of his father, Sankara Narayana Kurup took the responsibility of the Sree Bhadra Mudiyettu Sangham performing troupe. In the last 50 years, he has conducted Mudiyettu and Kalamezhuthum Pattum in more than 60 Bhagathy (Bhadrakali) temples in Kerala. He had also learned the traditional vocal and percussion instruments like Chenda, Thimila, Idakka and Sopana Sangitham (a traditional music from) from his uncle, late Cheranallur Kuttappa Kurup. Sankara Narayana Kurup is proficient in enacting any role in Mudiyettu.
Awards and Recognitions received by Varanattu Sankara Narayana Kurup
In 2011, Varanattu Sankara Narayana Kurup was honoured with the J. Swaminathan Puraskaram with a cash award of Rs. 1 Lac, by the Kerala Lalithakala Akademi. He has also received many recognitions from organisations including the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi for his expertise in the facet of Kalamezhuthu in Mudiyettu.
Personal Life of Varanattu Sankara Narayana Kurup
Varanattu Sankara Narayana Kurup is married to wife Vijayakumari and they have a son, Madhu Sankar, also an established artist in Mudiyettu enactments and Kalamezhuthum Pattum.
Related Articles:
Mudiyettu, Kerala Ritual Theatre
Forms of Indian Theatre
Kerala
Folk Theatre of Kerala
Ritual Theatre in India
Goddess Bhadrakali
Performance of Mudiyettu
Costumes and Make up in Mudiyettu
Comic Relief in Mudiyettu
Pazhoor Kunju Kunjan Marar
Sopana Sangeetham, Music of Kerala
Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi
This article is a stub. You can enrich by adding more information to it. Send your Write Up to content@indianetzone.com