AMMA – A caring collaborative and culturally rich community

A glimpse throughfamous Indian classical dances

Adelaide Kalamela 2010 Programme

Kerala – God’s own country

Adelaide Kalamela – A walk down memory lane

Message from theLieutenant Governor of South Australia

Adelaide Kalamela 2010Festival of Performing Arts

Proudly presented by AMMAAdelaide Metropolitan Malayalee Association

www.adelaidemalayalee.org

Co-sponsored by

Date : May 15 2010Venue : Norwood Concert Hall

175 The Parade NorwoodSouth Australia 5067

Welcome message from the President, AMMA

Contents

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Adelaide Metropolitan Malayalee Association

Adelaide Kalamela 2010 Festival of Performing Arts

I warmly congratulate Adelaide’s Malayalee community for organising what promises to be a superb 2010 Kalamela at Norwood today.

This event has become bigger and better every year since 2007 and it is today one of the most popular events of its kind in South Australia.

Besides being a show case of food and culture originating from the Indian state of Kerala, Kalamela has become a truly multicultural event with the inclusion this year of Salsa, Polish and Croatian dance troupes.

I am very confi dent that people of Adelaide will again fi nd this festival informative, fun, fascinating and unforgettable.

Mr. Hieu Van Le A.O.Lieutenant Governor of South AustraliaChairman of the South AustralianMulticultural & Etnic Affairs Commission

From the President’s Desk

I am extremely glad to present this booklet to the art loving multicultural society of Adelaide, the cultural heart of Australia; on the occasionof 4th annual festival of performing arts, Adelaide Kalamela 2010.

I congratulate the event management team, whose best efforts have brought out this pamphlet to promote a greater insight of the culture and heritage of Malayalee community. The Kalamela event bestows a splendid blend of arts performances of our homeland Kerala and other Indian states along with inspiring presentations from different countries.

It is a matter of pride for every family member of Adelaide & Metropolitan Malayalee Association (AMMA) that we have evolved as one of the culturally rich Indian communities in Adelaide, while we support and encourage cultural diversity through collaborative process.

I extend a warm welcome to all the artists, participants, sponsors, patrons and audience.

Best regardsPrem K.C. PanickerPresident, AMMA

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Kerala – God’s own country

Kerala has been blessed with refreshing greenery of palms offering shade almost to the entire state. What would amaze a tourist is the fact that every inch of ground is cultivated; every small fi eld is lined with palms; no place is barren. The lowlands of Kerala are a costal belt relatively fl at and are networked by backwaters and deltas of around forty rivers. The midland is made up of undulating hills and fertile valleys rich with cashew, areca nut, tapioca, banana, ginger, pepper, sugarcane and many vegetable plantations. If you ever tour that state of India, known as “Gods own county”, embedded with greenery, what you would instantly observe is people’s constant engagement with nature.

Malayalees originate from this place called Kerala, meaning “land of coconut trees,” small states along the south western fl ank of the Indian peninsula, people traditionally don fl owing and unstitched garments. Men wear the Mundu, a loose piece of cloth wrapped around the waist and women wear the typical Indian Sari. They invariably adore a sadya (feast served on raw green banana leaves) and proudly offer you mouth watering delicacies like Appam-Mutta curry, Puttu-Kadala, Aviyal, Rasam, and Kappa- Meen-curry.

Though most of Kerala is paddy-covered plains, large areas are dedicated to rubber and coconut trees. The forested high lands rising into the cool hills of the Western Ghats, is abound in tea, coffee, rubber, and spice plantations. With around 590 km coast line and abundance of interconnected backwater belts, fi shing is another major source of living. It is only common to see men and women stooping to cut

paddy with sickles, or spreading coconut to dry or bathe cattle in the irrigation canals or ponds. It may also be an elephant cooling down between its long treks across the state. Elephants are an integral part of daily life in Kerala. It is the state animal and is featured on the offi cial emblem of the Government of Kerala.

The region’s traditional dance forms alluring the art lovers are Koodiyattom (a 2000 year old Sanskrit theatre tradition, offi cially recognised by UNESCO), Kathakali, Mohiniyattam and Theyyam. Mellifl uous Carnatic music is dominant in the region, thanks to King Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma’s popularisation of the genre in the 19th century. The Chenda is a typical Kerala percussion instrument and is very popular for the melam which is the main part of any religious festivals.

Over the years, the Kerala state government has consistently spent nearly half of its budget on health and education. This small state has a low per capita annual income of less than AUD $300. But its infant mortality rate is low; its literacy rate among the highest, comparable anywhere in the world and its birth-rate is below that of even the developed nations. Kerala’s citizens live nearly as long as Americans or Europeans. It has a rate of newspaper readership that is among the highest in the world. A heritage of female-headed households means women have always been equal participants here. Things are changing. Modernisation and development seems to affect relationships and personal touch everywhere, but people still smile warmly and offer . . . . . Namaskaram . It means “I bow to you”, and it has same dialect equivalent to Namaste used all over India.

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Adelaide Metropolitan Malayalee Association (AMMA) was formed in the year 1998 and today it has around 3000 active members. AMMA was originally started by a small group of people who used to come together for Onam celebrations and now it has grown to around 600 families with new members getting associated every month. The informal gathering of Malayalees in Adelaide started years back in early 1970s when a small number of families linked for merriment.

Malayalees or people talk the language Malayalam originates from Kerala, the southern west state of India. Wedged between the Western Ghats on the East and the Arabian Sea on the West, the narrow strip of land known as Kerala is a destination of a lifetime. AMMA, the name chosen for the Adelaide association is very pertinent and divine- the vernacular word ‘AMMA precisely means ‘Mother’.

By tradition, Malayalees have been very close-knit and hence they have a strong affi liation to formulate community associations. AMMA, the Malayalee community group has been very active in promoting the art and culture within the community and also providing assistance to new migrants. The AMMA website has information for new migrants, providing guidance and support for the people in need. The organization has formulated an exclusive group called ‘Vazhikatti’ to welcome and assist new Malayalee students and other migrants to South Australia. AMMA has been organizing various functions for its members successfully like Onam & X’mas celebrations, Childrens Day, Family Day/Sports Day and Kalamela.

Today Malayalees are living all over the world and have made a mark for themselves. About 8% of the population in the Gulf countries is Malayalees. A very large number of the Keralites are employed in USA, UK and other European countries. An international survey reveals that

about 30% of Computer Software professionals in USA are from India and among them 20% are Malayalees. In Australia also the scene is not too different. And numerous Keralite families in South Australia are leaving a strong mark in Adelaide Indian community.

The Kerala state which is also referred as ‘Gods own country” has been selected by National Geographic Traveler as one of the 50 destination of a lifetime and one of the thirteen paradises in the world. It is said that in Kerala, season never ends, thanks to year-long moderate climate and numerous festivals and events.

In this year (2010) the streets came alive when Adelaide saw another charming Australia Day Parade in which the Indian community played a major part in making it a spectacular event. AMMA’s participation was magnifi cent that they won the prize for ‘Most Creative’ from the Australia Day council. The beautiful fl oat represented ‘snake boats’ in the backwaters of Kerala state followedby lovely girls wearing the traditional classical dance costumes.

AMMA family has grown in numbers along the years, so has their spirit and expectations. And their collective activities and endeavors have bestowed heights of glory for the community.

the backwaters of Kerala state followedearing the traditional classical

as grown in numbers so has their spirit

s. And their collective ndeavors have bestowed for the community.

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AMMA— A caring collaborativeand culturally rich community

The concept of KALAMELA was born in 2007, designed and structured by enthusiastic and indefatigable art lovers within the AMMA community. Kalamela in Malayalam language, meaning Festival of arts, started off in a relatively modest manner at the Parks Community Centre, Angle Park with the stated aim to showcase cultural talents from within our own community and other Indian communities besides, various cultural organisations of other Nationalities which is a hallmark of a migrant enriched country like Australia. One of the highlights of the program was the performance of SAREGAMA, the in -house music troupe of AMMA. They left the spectators enthralled with their rendition of popular movie chartbusters in both Malayalam and Hindi (Bollywood).

The program line up would typically consist a blend of mellifl uous Indian classical and Bollywood music, traditional dance, and Indian live music along with performances from other countries. Other innovation brought about in 2010 is the marketing of the event by the selling of tickets through BASS to create awareness about the show to a wider audience.

This year, the eagerly anticipated event returns to the plush surrounds of the Norwood Concert Hall and has also been rebranded as the ‘Adelaide Kalamela- Festival of performing arts’ to truly refl ect the show’s landmark effect on the Adelaide cultural map.

Adelaide KalamelaA walk down memory lane

ow to a wider audience.

nticipated event rounds of all and d as the

tival of y refl ect ect on ap.

“Kalamela gives me an opportunity to experience a culture that I was not born into but one that is very dear to my heart. The colour and movement of the dances and the rhythm of the music gives me an insight and appreciation for the rich art forms that are India”, Says Adrian Redman, who the was Master of Ceremony for Kalamela 2008. In this year, we have done meticulous research to identify and invite the best artists from the Indian Diaspora in addition to top class acts from the Polish, Croatian and Latin American communities. “Kalamela is one of the most fascinating multicultural events in Adelaide. It is a superb blending of different cultures and heritage in a harmonious environment”, says Dianee Nelson, another ardent art lover and a regular viewer of the annual festival. All the more, the free child minding services on offer at the venue has proven to be an absolute boon for art lovers who would have had to stay away for the sake of their kids.

Adelaide Kalamela has certainly come a long way over the past four years and it has defi nitely validated its mission statement to serve as a unique link between AMMA and the other communities of Adelaide, whereby everyone gains through the exchange of their cultural identities on a common platform. Future trends would be to attract artists from interstate and abroad without diluting the platform Kalamela provides to the local performers.

AMMA would like to reaffi rm its pledge to the art connoisseurs in Adelaide that it will strive to build on the legacy of Kalamela and ensure this magnifi cent amalgam of various cultures will continue to evolve and grow in stature.

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KathakaliKathakali is the most well known dance drama from the south Indian state of Kerala .It is known for its large, elaborate makeup and costumes. The elaborate costumes of Kathakali have become the most recognized icon for Kerala state in India.The actors rely very heavily on hand gesture to convey the story. These hand gestures, known as mudra, are common throughout much of classical Indian dances.

BharatanatyamBharatanatyam is the manifestation of the ancient idea of the celebration of the eternal universe through the celebration of the beauty of the material body.Today Bharata Natyam is one of the most popular and widely performed dance styles and is practiced by male and female dancers all over India. Due to its wide range of movements and postures and the balanced mélange of the rhythmic and mimetic aspects lends itself well to experimental andfusion choreography.

India is the homeland of various dance forms, both classical and folk. Indian dances and music were not only seen as ways to celebrate, but also as offerings of worship and thanks giving to the deity. The various Indian forms act like a window to India’s rich cultural reservoir. Dance is the form of art, wherein the body is used as a medium of communication. Indian dances have played an infl uential role in many other realms of art including poetry, sculpture, architecture, literature, music and theatre.

The following profound and enchanting artforms portray scintillating styles from theclassical repertoire.

MohiniyattamMohiniyattam, one of the eight Indian classical dance forms, is a traditional South Indian dance from Kerala. It is considered a very graceful dance meant to be performed as a solo recital by women.. It is a solo female dance (in a single costume) in which the striking feature is the musical melody and rhythmical swaying of the dancer from side to side and the smooth and unbroken fl ow of the body movement. The dance is focused essentially on feminine moods and emotions.

KoodiyattamKoodiyattam is a form of Sanskrit theatre traditionally performed in Hindu temples in the state of Kerala, India. It is the oldest existing classical theatre form in the entire world, believed to be 2000 years old and offi cially recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The performance of Koodiyattam, the only surviving specimen of the ancient Sanskrit theatre, was confi ned to the temple precincts of Kerala in specially constructed theatres called Koothambalam.

KuchipudiKuchipudi is a classical dance form originated in the village of Kuchipudi, in Southern India. The Kuchipudi dance begins with worship rituals. A dancer moves about sprinkling holy water, and then incense is burned. The charm of Kuchipudi lies in its fast and intricate footwork, sinuous grace, and the use of the eyes to express moods and feelings. It is unique in that the dancer must dance upon a brass plate, placing the feet upon the raised edges. The dancer moves the plate with much balance, while balancing a brass pot containing water on their head.

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A glimpse throughfamous Indian classical dances

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Adelaide Kalamela 2010 programme

Pushpaanjali (Bharatanatyam)The Pushpaanjali is a dance offering to the lord. It is offered as fl owers to Lord Ganesha the remover of all obstacles, who is the son of Lord Shiva the creator.Dance choreographer: Jayanthi Natarajan.Participants: Gayathiri Jambulingam, Greeshma Girish, Lakshmi Sri, Regina Rajesh, Renuka Gopal, Roshni Kalampattel, Sangeetha Sri, Sarveshinee Pillay, Swathi Edakkadan ,Vidya K ,Vishny Velavan and Vithiya Sri

Crazy Kiya Re MedleyPerformed by Fusion Beats and Henley Beach Dance students. This dance mixes Crazy Kiya Re and Kwab Deke in a fun, vibrant routine that incorporates Bollywood, Bellydance, classical and modern styles. Fusion Beats dancers have performed at many functions and festival and have been part of the Christmas pagent and the short bollywood fi lm ‘Priya’. Check out www.fusionbeats.com.au for further informationDance choreographer : Francesca Mc MillanParticipants: Francesca McMillan, Tanya Abraham, Sarika Young, Elizabeth Calahan, Katherine Piggot, Georgia Reed, Courtney Hembrow, Maddy Baker, Georgia, Alicia Martschink, Shaine Bates

Girls OberekA vibrant dance performed by young men and women of a village, the Oberek,also known as obertas (common in the 19th century),is - in its stage versions performed by Polish folk dance ensembles - the most vivacious of the so-called fi ve national dances (with polonaise, mazur, kujawiak, krakowiak). The oberek originated in the villages of Mazowsze in central Poland; it is danced to instrumental music in triple meter. The name oberek is derived from the verb “obracac się” - to spin. The dance’s main movement is rotational: the dancers spin and twirl around the room. Participants: Polish Folklore Ensemble

OppanaOppana is a popular form of social entertainment during weddings among the Muslim community of Kerala. It is generally presented by the ladies on the marriage eve. The bride dressed in all her fi nery is the centre of attention, usually on a stage surrounded by the dancers who go around her with rhythmic clapping dance steps to the pulsating mappilla pattu.Dance choreographer: Manaal and SonaParticipants: Akhila, Bincy, Deepu, Maicy, Shajina, Sreekala, Anjaly

Hucul ( Polish Dance)A very fast vibrant peasant dance which originated from the far western region of Poland, on the border with Ukraine (one could say it comes from both countries). Music is livley and adictive, with acrobatic solos to show the agility of the dancers. With a compliment of 5 couples the “Hucul” showcases the joy of the villagers, who dance it with total vigor.Participants: Polish Folklore Ensemble

Twist Medley:Performed by the Fusion Beats Kids Performance group. This dance mixes It’s rocking, Let’s rock now soniye and Twist. The group have been together since 2008 performing at many functions and the Christmas Pagent and will be involved in many more this year. Check out www.fusionbeats.com.au for further information.Dance choreographer : Francesca Mc MillanParticipants: Purnima Seiboth, Mikayla Smith, Zoe Kraly, Bianka, Tripti, Mahima, Preeta, Pooja

Salsa Salsa is the most popular style of Latin American dancing. Salsa was born in Cuba and has now developed and spread around the world. La Bomba will perform a Cuban salsa style today known as RUEDA (Wheel) The dancers form a circle and a caller yells out a move and everyone switches partners. RUEDA is an exciting style of SALSA from CubaChoreographed by Julio Cardenas and Emily Stansfi eldParticipants: Emily Stansfi eld, Julio Cardenas, Mario Vasquez, Kelly Wllding, Simon David, Valeria Alonso.

Contemporary Dance The Female TemperNo trait or characteristic is more agreeable in a female than the possession of a “sweet temper”. A home can never be happy without it. A sweet temper has a soothing infl uence over the minds of a whole family. Whether it is found in a wife, a mother or a daughter, you are bound to experience and observe a kindness and love predominating over any other natural feeling. This contemporary dance through the moves of the dancers depicts this very disposition in a female. This sweet temper distinguishes them from men and allows them to keep their dwellings or homes fi lled with peace and love.Dance choreographer: Natassja JamesParticipants: Apoorva Madan ,Sarika Young, Tanya Abraham, Natassja James

Koli DanceKoli is the dance form of Koli fi sher folk of Maharashtra. The community has its own distinct identity and lively dances. The dance incorporates elements that this community is most familiar with - sea and fi shing. It is said that despite of their obvious hardships regarding their occupation, their dances bringing out the liveliness of the fi sher-folk, who enjoy every moment of their lives. The dance is performed by both men and women divided into

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two groups, where fi shermen stand in two rows holding oars in their hands. The dancers move in unison, portraying the movement of the rowing of a boat. Fisherwomen are in the opposite rows with their arms linked and advancing towards men folk. The separate formation then break up and they dance together with movements symbolizing the waves, the breakers and rowing from cliff to cliff and casting of nets to catch the fi sh.Dance choreographer: Sayali PatilParticipants: Sayali Patil, Gauri Godbole, Shweta Bhat , Sayali Gaonkar ,Gauri Gaonkar, Vaishali Padhye, Sharmila Padhye , Shilpa Kudekar and Shruti Oak. Bollywood DanceThis is an energetic and vibrant dance performed by the youth talents to the beats of Bollywood fusion songs. The dance mixes popular songs from movies Villa, Dil Bole Hadippa and Slumdog millionaire.Dance Co-ordinator Jolly Mathews, Choreographed by Arunima Jose and Ashita JoseParticipants: Angela Joy, Anna Sara James, Arunima Jose , Ashita Jose, Regina Rajesh, Riya, Susmin Mathews, Sowmya Anil Roy

Croatian DanceUntil the 1950s, the Kolo round dance was the center of village social life in Croatia. Both as a dance and a social event, the Kolo is where young men and women meet and express mutual attraction; where blood brotherhoods and sisterhoods are sealed. It is also an event in which village social life is criticized and mocked through the songs sung in the Kolo. They sing the messages that are of exceptional importance to them while dancing the Kolo. It is a moment of collective unwinding and reconciliation. In a compact circle of dancers, fi rmly holding each other by their interwoven hands, they are symbolically demonstrating a community. They sing and dance simultaneously, thus strengthening the impression and importance of their message.Dance choreographer Vemerka Dragic.Participants: Dragic Antonia, Dragic Dijana, Dragic Marina, Ilic Ljiljana, Matulin Deanna, Mittiga Melanie, Siklic Elly, Skara Emily, Zuanic Annette, Dragic Ante, Grzunov Martin, Kuric Julian, Matulin George, Rajcic Ante, Roncevic Velimir, Vincekovic Andrija

Haritha Keralam (Semi-classical Dance)This dance depicts the evergreen beauty of the state of Kerala in the southern most part of India. Kerala, which is also referred as ‘ God’s own country’, is fl anked by the Arabian sea on one side and the Sahayadri’s on the other . It has a lot to offer in terms of exotic fl ora and fauna. Serene beaches, tranquil stretches of backwaters, lush green forests generously sprinkled with gurgling waterfalls, colourful blooms and exotic wildlife are the major attractions ofthis land.Dance choreographer : Priya PremkumarParticipants: Amalmaria, Nimisha Kottarapat, Pranita Premkumar and Roshni Kalampattel.Special appearance : Abhipriya, Cristo, Hitha, Leo, Parvathy, Raghavraj, Rahul, Sagarika, Vishnu.

SAREGAMA – The vibrant live music band of AMMAIn order to cater the need of emerging musical talents of members, AMMA formed SAREGAMA music troupe in 2006 with Sunil Langlin as the team manager. The band was launched at Parks Community Centre, Atholpark with a big stage show of many songs from Hindi, Tamil and Malayalam movies. From 2006 until now, SAREGAMA has amused the audience of Indian Mela, Shruthi Association, Kalamela etc.Apart from musical performances, SAREGAMA also organises Talent Search Nights to identify the new talents among the members and give them opportunity in future stage performance, according to their talent and ability. Manager : Mathew Varghese. The artists: Deva, Bensilal, Mathew, Prem, Sreekumar, Ajay, Shelvin, Jimmy, Divya, Seema, and Lydia, Louis.

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1 Ferin Decruz2 Tisha George3 Prem K.C. Panicker4 Girish V5 James Veliyath Abraham6 Lathish Namath7 Sanoj.K.M8 Melvin John9 Vimaldas Kottarapat

1 Vimaldas Kottarapat 2 Priya Premkumar 3 Prem K.C. Panicker 4 Tisha George 5 Maharoof Pottammal 6 Sreekumar Madathil k 7 Sandeep Chalil 8 Mahesh K S 9 Sooraj Vishnu K10 Sanoj K M11 Melvin John12 Poly Vareed P

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AMMA ManagementCommittee

Adelaide Kalamela 2010Event Management Team

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