Sep 09 2025 to Sep 09 2025 7 p.m.

Where

Bangalore International Centre

7 4th Main Rd, Stage 2, Domlur 560071

Event Description

Chilambu is a series of research-driven dance productions that draw inspiration from the rich folklore of North Malabar.

This presentation interlaces the mysticism of Thottam Pattu sung for Theyyams, the grace of Devadasi traditions, and the vibrant rhythms of Charadukkuthikali and Payyanur Kolkkali Pattukal.

At its core is the story of Paramthattamma—once remembered only in the folk tales of Payyanur, a devout Bhakta and Devadasi whose silenced voice is revived through timeless art.

The production also brings alive Pottan Theyyam, a powerful symbol of resistance against caste discrimination and untouchability. Through a dramatic dialogue between Lord Shiva and Sri Shankaracharya, the piece recalls the moment when Shiva, in the guise of a Chandalan (Pulapottan), reminds the Acharya that beyond caste lies the shared essence of humanity.

As the famous Thottam verse proclaims:
“When I am wounded, isn’t it red blood that flows?
When you are wounded, isn’t it the same?
Then why this quarrel over caste?”

The performance culminates with Raktha Chamundi, inspired by the Theyyam tradition and reimagined through the vocabulary of Bharatanatyam. This dynamic piece narrates the legend of Goddess Durga’s fierce battle with Mahishasura, embodying both rage and compassion. The raw energy of Theyyam converges with the classicism of Bharatanatyam to reveal Raktha Chamundi, the invincible force of justice and protection.

Supported by:

Performer

Haritha Thamban
Bharatanatyam
Haritha Thamban, daughter and disciple of Bharatanatyam Guru Dr. Kalamandalam Latha Edavalath and drama director Thamban Kambrath, is the Secretary of Lasya Kalakshetra. Trained from childhood under eminent gurus including Kalakshetra Vidyalakshmi, Dr. Vasundara Doraisami, and Kalakshetra Vasundra Thomas, she is both a performer and scholar.
She is a recipient of the Junior Fellowship in Mohiniattam (Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India, 2022-23), CCRT Scholarship (2019-20), Kshetrakala Academy Yuva Pradibha Puraskar (2020), and is a Doordarshan-graded artist. She holds Indian & Asian Book of Records for staging over 500 classical performances on social issues and is a member of the International Dance Council, CID-UNESCO, Paris.
Academically, Haritha completed a Diploma in Bharatanatyam (IKSV, Khairagarh), an MA in Bharatanatyam (First Rank, Kannur University), and is currently a PhD scholar at Kerala Kalamandalam. She is also a UGC-NET qualified Assistant Professor in Dance-Drama/Theatre.