Forgotten Ancestors | Thudippu Dance Foundation

About the Production

The Tale of Chengannoorathi and Paaluvampennu" is a remarkable theater Kalari dance production that weaves together diverse art forms to reclaim and retell a powerful and historically relevant story.

Step into a mesmerizing world where love, sacrifice, and the indomitable human spirit take center stage in “Forgotten Ancestors: The Tale of Chengannoor Aathi and Paaluvam Pennu,” a theater Kalari dance production, by Thudippu Dance Foundation with the support of Unrehearsed Artist Residency Program.

At its core, this production draws from the historical significance of Chengannooraathi, an oral folk song popularized by the Paraya Community in Central Kerala. This song shed light on the inequality and injustice that was prevalent in society. Chengannooraathi’s story is one of resilience against all odds, as he defied societal norms that forbade him from learning Kalari due to his identity. He went on to become one of the greatest warriors, conquering 18 out of the 19 Kalaris. Each victory served as a defiant message against existing inequality.

In the contemporary context, the story of Chengannooraathi and Paaluvampennu remains relatively unknown and unexplored in Kerala’s cultural narrative. This production serves as a means to reclaim this powerful story, shedding light on the themes of inequality, injustice, and the enduring power of love. It provides a timely opportunity to reintroduce this historical narrative to a wider audience.

“Forgotten Ancestors” is a fusion of traditional and contemporary art forms. It incorporates the ancient folk song Chengannooraathi Paattu, which played a pivotal role in popularizing the tale. To enrich the storytelling, the production seamlessly integrates traditional folk art forms such as Tholpavakoothu (puppetry) and Kalaripayattu (martial art). This artistic synergy creates a culturally rich and visually captivating experience for the audience.

This production showcases the collective talent of various artists who have come together to breathe life into Chengannooraathi and Paaluvampennu’s story. From Kalari under the guidance of Divakaran Aravind and disciples from EPV CVN Kalari, to the enchanting music composed by Vishnu Sivasankar, the stunning art by Mona Isa, the mesmerizing puppetry by Rajeev Pulavar and his team, and the captivating dance performances by Ponnu Sanjeev and Amith, among others, this production serves as a testament to the collaborative power of art.