Mrcchakatikam in Kutiyattam: A Timeless Sanskrit Drama Revived at Serendipity Arts Festival 2025

Curated by Sankar Venkateswaran

Venue: The Old GMC Complex, The Theatre
Date: 16th December
Time: 02:00 PM – 05:30 PM

Celebrate Classical Theatre at Serendipity Arts Festival 2025

As part of the Serendipity Arts Festival 2025, this special performance brings the ancient Sanskrit drama Mrcchakatikam to life through the classical Kutiyattam tradition. Every December, the festival transforms Panjim, Goa, into a vibrant hub for India’s diverse artistic expressions, and this production is a highlight of its theatre offerings.

Mrcchakatikam is a unique gem in Sanskrit drama, blending wit, romance, politics, and humanity. Unlike many classical plays that focus on gods and kings, this timeless story revolves around real people, presenting a diverse range of characters that feel both authentic and timeless.

A Masterful Interpretation by G. Venu

For over fifty years, G. Venu has dedicated his life to Kutiyattam, a revered classical Sanskrit theatre form known for its slow, ritualized unfolding and meticulous portrayal of the internal lives of characters.

n this performance, Mrcchakatikam unfolds strictly within the conventions of Kutiyattam, respecting its traditional essence rather than incorporating fusion elements. The performance uses gestures, music, rhythm, and grammatical structures unique to this art form to evoke the vibrant life of ancient Ujjayini, offering audiences a deeply immersive theatrical experience.

Duration and Language

• Duration: 3.5 hours (approximate)

• Language: Malayalam, Sanskrit

Cast and Credits

Director: G. Venu

Actors: Margi Sajeev Narayanan Chakyar, Sooraj Nambiar, Pothiyil Ranjith Chakyar, Kapila Venu, Saritha Krishnakumar, Kalamandalam Jishnu Prathap, Nepathya Sreehari Chakyar, Sankar Venkateswaran, Margi Anjana Sajeev, Gurukulam Tharun, Aran Kapila

Music:

• Mizhavu performers: Kalamandalam Rajeev, Kalamandalam Hariharan, Kalamandalam Narayanan Nambiar, and Kalamandalam Vineesh

• Edakka: Kalanilayam Unnikrishnan

• Kurunkuzhal: Vishakh Vattathra

• Thalam: Athulya Krishnakumar

Make-up: Kalanilayam Haridas, Kalamandalam Vysakh
Light Design: Prathwin K Udupi
Subtitle: Vivek Vijayakumaran
Translations: Renu Ramanath
Photography: Thulasi Kakkat

Why Attend

This performance of Mrcchakatikam as part of Serendipity Arts Festival 2025 offers an extraordinary opportunity to witness India’s classical theatre heritage. Every gesture, rhythm, and expression is carefully crafted to reflect the inner life of the characters, making it a visual and emotional feast.

Whether you are a lover of theatre, Sanskrit literature, or Indian classical arts, this production promises an unforgettable journey into ancient storytelling brought vividly to life.

Tickets are available at INR 499. Don’t miss the chance to experience this masterfully crafted theatrical performance during one of India’s most celebrated arts festivals.