Wednesday 7 February, 2007

Kerala remembers Vazhakunnam



Photo: Simplicity was the chief attribute of Vazhakunnam’s magic and life

Elaborate arrangements have been made by the Malabar Magic Circle to observe 24th death anniversary of Vazhakunnam Neelakantan Namboodiri, the doyen of Kerala Magic, on 9th Feb. 07. The Magic Academy supports the event along with the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi (KSNA). Venue for this family fair of Kerala magicians is Sangamam Auditorium, Thalassery near Kannur.
The one-day festival includes a State-level magic competition in senior and junior categories followed by magic shows by not less than 6 magicians from in and out of the State. For the first time in the history of Vazhakunnam commemoration, this year, a number of magicians from other States including Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are among the 150 delegates. Among the already registered 15 contestants are a 4-year-old girl and 60-year-old veteran magician. Winners will get certificate of appreciation from the KSNA and medals issued by the Magic Academy, besides a Yugami rolling trophy.
The evening gala shows include the mesmerizing performance by magicians Ali (Hyderabad), Hashim (Kozhikode) and 10-year-old prodigy from Bangalore, Karun Krishna. Also arranged are the magic shows by young magicians P. Preeth (Thiruvananthapuram) and Arjun Thiruvangad (Kannur) – both having impaired speech and hearing. Jayam Jayaraman, a lady representative in Kerala magic sphere, will present a unique show of shadow play.
Release of a video documentary on Vazhakunnam titled, ‘Maanthrikamuthachan’ meaning ‘Grandpa in magic’ conceived by illusionist Gopinath Muthukad would also be a significant programme for the day. To know more on the imminent event mail to magician Sam (Shanmugha Doss) at email: shanmughadossk@yahoo.com

1 comment:

Thomas Kandanat said...

It is too late to produce a documentary on Prof:Vazhakunnam. But it is better to be late than never done. I could not have luck to see the documentary. Is any original live performance by the legend. I know that Sorcar Junior / Senior have videographed the Cups and Balls routine and other close up acts of this Grandpa of Magic. If it is included in this documentary then it will be valuable treasure. Thank you Mr. Gopinath Muthukad, the Magician.
thomaskandanat@gmail.com