How G. Venu built Natana Kairali, a reputed training and performance institute  

Koodiyattam exponent G. Venu receives the Kerala Kalamandalam Fellowship

Kerala Kalamandalam (Deemed-to-be-University) recently created history by selecting a non-Chakyar for its Fellowship in Koodiyattam. G. Venu, an accomplished performer, skillful choreographer, prolific writer and venerated guru is the chosen one.

While sea changes in society have been compelling the traditional performers or Chakyars to migrate to other vocations, Venu, a consummate performer of Kathakali, groomed by doyens such as Chengannur Raman Pillai and Guru Gopinath, plunged headlong into the world of Koodiyattam after watching a performance by maestro Ammannur Madhava Chakyar at Sree Vadakkunnathan Temple, Thrissur.

The theatrical potentialities of the centuries-old Sanskrit drama and the scope of abhinaya it offered left a profound influence on him. So much so, at the age of 37, Venu resigned his permanent job at the School of Drama and Fine Arts, University of Calicut, shifted his residence to Irinjalakuda and joined the Ammannur Kalari as the first non-Chakyar student of Ammannur Madhava Chakyar.

Since his initiation, he has been following his acharya like a shadow, taking care of his needs in the capacity of both a disciple and impresario. In turn, Madhava Chakyar groomed him as his protégé. The credit for starting Ammannur Chachu Chakyar Smaraka Gurukulam in 1982 also goes to Venu.

An ardent advocate of the traditional system of training, he has produced quite a number of young outstanding artistes, an achievement that no other institution can boast of.

While he donned numerous veshams such as Ravana (Thoranayudham), Soorpanakha (Soorpanangham) and Bhima and Hanuman (Kalyanasaugandhikam), Kalidasa’s Sakuntalam, a 11-hour production is his magnum opus in choreography. This was staged at many international festivals . His other notable choreographies include Vikramorvaseeyam (First half –three Acts) and Oorubhangam.

The Ammanur Gurukulam, under the leadership of Madhava Chakyar, was instrumental in the revival of Nangiarkoothu, an exclusive preserve of women. Venu, who was also part of this endeavour, choreographed Narasimhavatharam, Sitaparithyagam and Soundaryalahari.