KERALA TOURISM NEWSLETTER
Kathakali Sadanam
It has earned a name for itself in the field of Kathakali training among other noted centres in Kerala. We are talking about Sadanam, the cultural wing under Gandhi Seva Sadan, which was established in 1953 and is located at Perur in Palakkad district of Kerala. Popularly known as Kathakali Sadanam, this centre for Kathakali training came into existence thanks to the efforts of Mr. K. Kumaran, its founder, who was a freedom fighter and a patron of art forms.
Kathakali Sadanam soon after its formation gained popularity as a center of repute for Kathakali training. And in 1973, the center became an independent unit. The center observed its golden jubilee celebrations in the year 2003. One of the main attractions of this noted Kathakali training centre is the semi-circular indoor auditorium, with a capacity to accommodate 800 people.
As part of its training program in Kathakali, Sadanam has for its prospective students both long-term as well as short-term courses. All courses are conducted in the traditional Gurukula System were the teacher and the pupil stay together throughout the duration of the course. There are courses spread over 6 to 8 years in Kathakali dance and music. One can also undergo training here in Kathakali make-up and orchestra, which are of 5 to 6 years, duration. At Sadanam, very bright students doing their diploma courses are paid stipends to meet their tuition fees and boarding expenses.
Sadanam also has short-term training courses in Kathakali, which are basically meant for students from outside Kerala. For those, who are interested in undergoing intensive training, Sadanam provides the assistance of special tutors. Over the years, the center was responsible for churning out quite a good number of students from abroad, who had undergone training in various disciplines of Kathakali.
Eminent personalities, forming part of the faculty at Kathakali Sadanam at various points of
time itself stand testimony to the status of the institute as a leading center for learning Kathakali in Kerala. The centre was fortunate enough to have masters like Padmasree Guru Kunchu Kurup, Thekkinkattil Ramunni Nair, Keezhpadam Kumaran Nair, Kalamandalam Ramankutty Nair and Kalamandalam Padmanabhan Nair to hold the reigns of Kathakali training at Sadanam.
Kathakali Sadanam, true to its reputation takes the credit for contributing some renowned Kathakali artistes. They include Sadanam Krishnankutty, Mattannur Sankarankutty, Sadanam Narayanan Namboodiri, Sadanam Ramankutty, Sadanam Balakrishnan, Sadanam Vasudevan, Sadanam Sreedharan, Sadanam Divakaran and Sadanam Vasudevan.
Members of Kathakali Sadanam have performed at different venues in foreign countries, which include many countries in Europe and also in the former Soviet Union. Their performances have enthralled many a gathering at venues abroad, winning accolades from one and all.
Kathakali Sadanam today is a repository of excellence in various aspects of Kathakali training. Well known for its repertoire of acclaimed masters, the centre is looked forward to by many aspiring students, who would like to imbibe the very best of its traditions and later on to excel as a Kathakali artiste.
Address
Kathakali Sadanam
Post Gandhi Seva Sadan
Perur, Pathirippala
Palakkad - 678 001
Kerala, India.
Tel: +91-491-872263, Fax: +91-491-872263
Email: svasadan@satyam.net.in, enquiry@kathakalisadanam.com.
Website: www.kathakalisadanam.com
