Kathakali – An Ocean of Possibilities Heritage and Present Scenario is both an encyclopaedic reference and a lyrical homage to Kerala’s artistic genius. Through meticulous documentation, interpretive depth and cultural empathy, Dr. Nayar bridges the gap between scholarly analysis and artistic appreciation. S Srinivasan IAS (Rtd.)
An Ocean of Possibilities: Heritage and Present Scenario, addresses a wide-ranging audience, including potential new audiences interested in learning more about Kathakali. VR Prabodhachandra Nayar’s lifelong engagement with and love of Kathakali is multifaceted – he knows the scripts, instrumentation, and songs by heart and can explain them to others with ease.
Dr Mary Beth Heston
This book represents a major landmark in the comprehensive approach not only of this Kerala performing art but also in the analysis of theater, from training to performance, and also in the expected aim of the performers and masters at large.
Dr Martine Chemana
This work makes me want to return to that world of Kathakaḷi once again, with freshly attuned eyes, and ears, and sensibilities. This highly useful and formidable work of scholarship is a testament to VRP’s years of dedicated work, with his fellow scholars and students of language and of Malayalam ever in mind.
In this work, Dr VR Prabodhachandran Nayar, a seasoned academician and practitioner of fine arts, unpicks the ancient dance form Kathakali's 's subtle nuances and masterful intricacies.
A real connoisseur of the art forms of Kerala, Dr Nayar holds two doctoral degrees - in linguistics (Kerala) and phonology(London) and has been the Head of the Department of Linguistics in the University of Kerala and a visiting professor in many universities both inside and outside the country. This work may be considered an extension of his pedagogic enterprise.
Kathakali is the world's most nuanced dance drama. Intricate in attire, detailed in gestures, subtle in steps, melodic in narration, and often religious in theme, this centuries-old art form continues to engage and enlighten people from all walks of life. It is true that not many attend a Kathakali performance these days. There are two reasons for this: first, it is an art form that is decipherable only to a discerning audience; and second, performances last quite long. Nevertheless, Kathakali remains beloved by many today.
This work is the result of the professor's lifelong passion for the dance drama, the nature and quality of which comes through vividly in this work.
VRP, now in his late eighties, is still busy learning, mentoring, researching and teaching.
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