Dr. Martine Chemana

Dr. Martine Chemana, France
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Dr.Martine Chemana's interest in Poorakkali
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Living at Central and Southern Kerala and New Delhi from 1976 to 1997, Dr. Martine Chemana, a scholar in Indian Studies from Sorbonne University, Paris (France), did extensive studies and research in Kathakali and other classical fine arts of Kerala.Along with historical, linguistic and anthropological studies, she was trained in Kathakali (acting and fine art music) as well as in Karnatic music for past two decades.Martine Chemana heard about Poorakkali from her friend and university colleague, Dr. Sudha Gopalakrishnan, an expert in Indian arts, particularly in performing arts of Kerala.During April 2000, Dr. Chemana visited various places in North Malabar from Kasargod to Payyannur where Poorakkali is extensively performed.She also attended a seminar about Poorakkali at Kanhangad Temple.During the field works, she was lucky that she could meet and discuss with various scholars of Poorakkali like Dr. Vishnu Namboothiri, as well as Poorakkali Panickers like Shri C.K. Narayanan Panicker, Ramanthali Shri Krishnan Panicker etc. along with many performers.During her visit, she also attended a performance staged by number of troupes of Poorakkali and Marathukali, the philosophical debate, by two renowned Panickers.The devotional as well as histrionic aspects of Poorakkali; coupled with philosophical and humorous debate are traditionally followed by Poorakkali, known as Marathukali, is of great interest to her.In fact, Poorakkali is performed by certain community of Kerala society; and not usually known for their scholarship or artistic talents but rather considered as a service to the community.Communities such as Ezhavas, (popularly known as Thiyyas in Malabar), Maniyanis, Mukuvas and Chaliyas (agriculturists, toddy tappers, fishing and weaving communities) who perform Poorakkali were given a special appeal in her research.In her research study, she observed that the whole performance is a wonder of mastery over rhythms, great concentration, vigorous steps and dances performed for long hours by men of all ages (from children to elderly men).
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Dr. Martine Chemana intends to document this art form as part of her research in the group she is working with at Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes, at Sorbonne Paris (Medieval and Modern India: texts and context).She hopes to work in collaboration with Dr. Sudha Gopalakrishnan, Consultant, IGNCA New Delhi.