In a rare confluence of tradition, artistry, and collective cultural memory, the Roots & Rhythms celebrations unfolded as a vibrant tapestry of Kerala’s intangible heritage and contemporary creative vision. Hosted within the stately confines of the Sreevalasam Auditorium, Payyanur, the day-long event stood as a resounding testament to the enduring spirit of India’s performative and artisanal legacies.
Session I – Special Talk: “Theyyam and Theatre”
The morning began with a deeply enriching academic and artistic engagement: a Special Talk titled “Theyyam and Theatre”, exploring the intersections between Kerala’s ritualistic performance tradition of Theyyam and the expressive universe of modern theatre.
The session was elegantly introduced by Dr. Y. V. Kannan, an eminent author and folklore scholar, whose warm and insightful words provided both context and invitation to delve deeper into the subject. His framing underscored the philosophical and aesthetic continuities between sacred ritual and performative narrative.
This was followed by a captivating lecture from Dr. Erin B. Mee, Associate Arts Professor at New York University and a renowned scholar of Indian theatre. Dr. Mee’s presentation masterfully bridged geographies and genres, illuminating how the visceral, transcendental quality of Theyyam informs and intersects with the structured nuances of contemporary theatrical practice. Her academic rigor and experiential insights drew the audience into a space where tradition meets innovation.
The morning reached an emotional and historical peak with the presence of Smt. Ambujakshi Amma, widely revered as the only woman Theyyam performer, a role traditionally restricted to men. Her appearance was not just symbolic but deeply transformative. In a moving personal narrative, she shared the trials and triumphs of her journey, breaking barriers, confronting taboos, and embodying the spirit of devotion. Her voice carried not just her story, but that of countless unsung women who have yearned to claim space in sacred traditions.
A moment of honor and reverence followed as Athiyadam Kunhirama Peruvannan, a master craftsman and recipient of the PK Kalan Award, was ceremonially draped with a shawl and gifted a traditional lamp by Kathakali maestro T. T. Krishnan, in the presence of Dr. Erin B. Mee. It was a fitting tribute to a lifetime dedicated to artistic excellence and cultural preservation.
Session II – Tribute: “Remembering Ratan Thiyam”
The second part of the day paid homage to one of India’s greatest theatre visionaries: Ratan Thiyam. In an evocative remembrance titled “Remembering Ratan Thiyam”, veteran theatre artist and thinker Sri. B. V. Rajaram took the stage to deliver a speech brimming with reverence and reflection.
He traced Thiyam’s vast contributions to Indian theatre, from his pioneering of a new visual and philosophical language to his masterful integration of traditional narratives with modern political consciousness. The tribute was not just a recollection of achievements, but a soul-stirring invocation of an artistic legacy that continues to mold generations.
Session III – Inauguration of the Design Development Training Programme
As the afternoon mellowed into the evening, the event transitioned into the inauguration of the Design Development Training Programme, a collaborative initiative between the Folkland International Centre for Folklore and Culture and the Handicrafts Department, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.
The session opened with a warm welcome from K. Sureshan, Secretary of Folkland, who set the tone for a future-oriented dialogue on craft, community, and sustainability. Dr. V. Jayarajan, Chairman of Folkland, followed with a profound presidential address that emphasized the need to preserve cultural knowledge while nurturing contemporary design innovation.
The formal inauguration was carried out by Ms. Darshana Raghavan, Assistant Director of the Handicrafts Service Centre, Thrissur, whose presence underscored the institutional support extended to artisans and designers alike. Her words invoked the hope that traditional craftsmanship, when empowered by thoughtful training and infrastructure, can thrive in modern markets without losing its soul.
Keynote and Felicitations
The cultural richness of the day was further deepened by a keynote address by celebrated mural artist K. R. Babu. His oration seamlessly blended themes of heritage, artistic responsibility, and the transformative power of tradition when it is allowed to evolve. With passion and poetic insight, he spoke of the artist as both custodian and innovator, one who must carry the past into the future with integrity.
Felicitations followed from a constellation of artists, trainers, and cultural workers whose presence embodied the collaborative spirit of the event. Notable among them were: Sri. Vijay Pratap (Master Trainer), Smt. Priya Gopal(Trainer), Adv. P. V. Hareesh, K. V. Sathyanandan, K. V. Padmanbhan, Reshma Ravindran, Neenu Sukumaran, Sreeja C. V., Rajitha V. M., Vaisakh K., Aswathi Suresh T. V., Uma Devi. Their words flowed like tributaries, converging into a shared river of goodwill, wisdom, and artistic kinship.
A Living Continuum
As twilight descended over the Sreevalasam Auditorium, Roots & Rhythms did not conclude in finality but rather echoed forward as a promise, a continuation of dialogue, creativity, and remembrance. The day celebrated not only the roots of our cultural identity but also the rhythmic pulse of evolution that carries it forward.
In weaving together the ritual intensity of Theyyam, the visionary legacy of Ratan Thiyam, and the hands-on creativity of artisans, this event stood as a powerful invocation, a call to cherish, interrogate, and reimagine our traditions in an ever-changing world.