Ramanchakyar
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| Painkulam Raman Chakyar | |
|---|---|
| Born | Raman Koypamahttam Chakyar Painkulam, Trichur, Kerala,  India |
| Years active | 1905 - 1980 |
| Website | Painkulam Raman Chakyar |
Late Shri Guru Painkulam Raman Chakyar remains a legend in Chakyar Koothu and Koodiyattam, one of the last surviving Sanskrit performing art of Kerala. He was a distinguished artiste, having won the Kerala Sahitya Academy Award in 1980, teacher and scholar, besides being a master of vachikabhinaya in both Chakyar Koothu and Koodiyattam.
From 1925 onwards, he had performed regular programmes in various temples and religious places spread all over Kerala. He is credited with first bringing this fine and sophisticated art outside the temples and closer to general audiences. He directed, supervised and participated himself in more than 100 koodiyattam plays, which were edited and condensed by him for better understanding of contemporary audiences without affecting the artistic integrity and authenticity. He had more than 1000 stage appearances in different roles, besides being a regular participant in All India Radio programmes.
He successfully produced and staged the 2nd Act of Sakunthalam, 3rd Act of Nagananda and Jadayuvadhanam in Ascharyachoodamani. He also supervised and participated in the production of a colour documentary film on koodiyattam in 1974. The Prahasa named Bhagavadajjukam of Bodhayana was also one of his best productions.
In 1980, he was also the first one to spread international awareness of "Chakyar Koothu" and Koodiyattam, having mentored a few European students and facilitated by them in leading his troupe on a European tour including Germany, France and Poland which was made possible by the Indian Council of Cultural Relations and their European counterparts.
