Young and old learn art of storytelling in this TVM school

Long before stand-ups wowed listeners, there were storytellers in Kerala who cast a spell in festival venues. With well-timed tonal shifts and dramatic lilt, they told tales that charmed the audience. The art of Kathaprasangam, which unravelled the magic of storytelling and ‘Kaathikans’ (kathaprasangam performer) may have gone out of vogue, but a school in Thiruvananthapuram continues nurturing new talents.

After regular school hours, the classrooms of Sree Moola Vilasam School in Thiruvananthapuram transform into a space for music, drama, and narration as renowned tutors from around Kerala gather around to teach 20 or so eager students the art of Kathaprasangam. The school has conducted Kathaprasangam classes since 1990.

Chirakkara Salim Kumar, a famed Kaathikan who was part of the school’s first batch and now teaches the course, said, “Kathaprasangam as an art form addresses contemporary issues. It’s about knowing what to say, when to say it, and how to say it. It is truly a powerful medium for social upliftment and communication. At the school, we teach them how to truly become a Kaathikan. From stance and facial expression to hand gestures, tone, and rhythm, everything matters in this art form. It’s about embodying the character and holding the audience in your grip.”

“This year, we have 18 students in our class, aged between 50 and 70. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when classes were online, we saw more youngsters join in. But we don’t encourage that mode because it’s important to learn Kathaprasangam live,” he said.

Among the new faces this year is 51-year-old Latha, who was inspired to join by a friend who had won a senior-level Kathaprasangam competition. “I’ve been interested in Kathaprasangam since childhood. During summer vacations at my aunt’s, we would go watch performances. I’d stay up all night just to see them,” she said. “The classes just began on August 1. We introduced ourselves, they explained the course structure, and even gave a demo. I am excited for what's to come next.”

The part-time, government-funded course comes under the state’s higher education department. Classes are held throughout the academic year from 4 pm to 6 pm, after regular school hours. The syllabus includes performance training with cultural and literary studies, drawing from the works of writers such as Vallathol Narayana Menon, Vyloppilli Sreedhara Menon, P Kesavadev, and Vayalar Ramavarma. Lessons also include Bharatha Paryadanam.

The early years of the programme were enriched by the guidance of stalwarts like Joseph Kaiparambu, Sambasivan, Professor Guptan Nair, and K M George. Today, the legacy is carried forward by a team led by V Harshakumar, the programme coordinator, along with Professor Salim Kumar and Vasantha Kumar, son of the late Sambasivan. The faculty also includes Sreekumar for music, Asha for Sanskrit, and language teachers Anjal Prasad and Dhana Ranjan.

Former student Anagha, a 19-year-old BA English Literature student from Kottarakara, recalls how the course shaped her. “I was in the 2021-22 batch. People came from different places, so our classes were scheduled accordingly. I attended once every two weeks. We were taught three performances: Chandalabikshuki by Kumaran Asan, Karnan, and Rukmini Swayamvaram. For the practical exam, we had to perform one. Since I was in Class 10 at the time, I chose the shorter one, Chandalabikshuki.” To give students a real stage experience, the course concludes with an orchestra-backed performance.

Anagha continues to perform. “I won first prize at the state-level Keralotsavam this year. The course gave me a great start. For any beginner, it’s a beautiful experience. The teachers are extremely professional and knowledgeable.”