CENTRE FOR PERFORMING ARTS, VARKALA
Kerala has been a preferred destination of discerning travellers from all over the world who prefer culture, traditions and heritage in the field of arts & crafts, blended with Ayurvedic system of rejuvenating physical health. The large numbers of foreigners who come to Kerala enjoy the rich traditional art forms of Kathakali, Koodiyattom, Nangiarkoothu, Theyyam, Kalaripayattu etc. A large number of students are also visiting various Centres of Performing Arts in the country to study about the various art forms in the traditional style.
Kerala has its own typical art forms which reflect the life and outlook of the people. From the renowned Kathakali, considered to be the complete art form as it synthesis all that is best in the fields of drama, music and dance, to the folk dances which are reflections of the rhythmic impulses of a sensitive people. Recently, the UNESCO brought to light, a less known art form – Koodiyattom - and declared it as one among the ‘Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity’. For ages, the rich and vibrant culture of Kerala has intrigued people worldwide. Truly, the real treasures of Kerala lay in the cultural heritage of its people.
Varkala is a destination of Pilgrimage and Tourism known internationally. Around 50000 Foreign and 1.60 lakh domestic tourists visit Varkala every year. Varkala is universally known for its geological speciality which is called “Warkallai Formation”. The Varkala Cliff is going to be declared as Geopark by UNESCO.
CPA is being established under VISION VARKALA INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION LIMITED, a Government of Kerala undertaking, headed by a team consists of Chief Minister as Chairman, Ministers, top Government Officials and Subject Experts as members of the Governing Body. The total Project cost is Rs. 10 Cr. As an initial step for the implementation of Construction of CPA, Planning Commission, Government of India sanctioned Rs.3 Cr and Government of Kerala sanctioned Rs. 1Cr for VIVID Corporation.
Aims of Centre for Performing Arts, Varkala:
1. To plan, promote, develop, operate, own, maintain, all infrastructural facilities, prepare project and feasibility report; implement projects and development of schemes; monitor economic and social welfare activities, render technical, financial and marketing supports and undertake development projects and services of Government, public, private , joint sectors;
2. To provide all infrastructural facilities for establishing or for facilitating the establishment of, manufacturing, processing or packaging industries; electronic, hi-tech or knowledge based industries; agro based, food processing industries; tourism, leisure, recreation etc
3. With the help of Modern Technology do research and evolve unique trends in presentation of Art forms.
4. International Training Centre for Martial Arts, Folk Arts and Classical Arts.
5. Help promoting Tourism in India.
Centre’s Specialities:
1. Kavu, Kulam (Lotus Pond) – which have traditional as well as mythical backgrounds. In the “Kavu” – the serpent dance and snake worshipping folk arts forms will be presented.
2. Theme Nights Programme based on myths designed with the help of Modern Technology.
3. Special Art and Cultural festivals of international standards.
4. “Gurukulam” style of teaching.
5. Kalari – the internationally acclaimed Martial Art form. Facilities will be provided for training and performance.
6. Eco friendly structures, Concert Halls, Amphi theatre.
A Design Committee is formed to approve the design of the Centre and also to provide guidance for the smooth functioning of the Centre. The Construction Work of the Centre for Performing Arts is entrusted with Hindustan Latex Life Care Ltd.
As per the GO(MS) No : 103/2013/Tsm dated : 10-04-2013, Tourism Dept accorded Permissive Sanction to transfer 2 acres of land in Government Guest House Compound, Varkala for the establishment of the Centre for Performing Arts. The preliminary drawings of the work has been completed and submitted to Varkala Municipality and the Municipality provides Building Sanction for the construction of the Centre.
The Centre for Performing Arts is a multi-use performance space that is intended for use by various types of the performing arts, including Koodiyattom, Kathakali, Chakkyarkoothu, Mohiniyatoom, Thullal, Theyyam, Kalampattu, Thiruvathira, Markgamkali, Oppana etc including various danceforms in around Kerala, Musicetc. Taking this concept into a much more holistic perspective, matured with the rich cultural heritage of Kerala and its wide varieties of performing arts and crafts, the Varkala Centre for performing arts and crafts have been given a divine design concept.
The centre will be a unique institute in India in all respects. A need based approach may be followed in the setting up of the Centre. “Teach, Learn and Perform” is the operational concept behind the Centre. The prospective tourists in the Centre can Learn and practice the Kerala art forms in the Centre itself. The faculty of the Centre strives to promote the wonder of performing arts of Kerala within the gentle discipline of a positive and professional environment. The Centre may provide a natural environment comprising of Nalukettu, Koothambalam, Kavu, Kulam, Kalari etc. All provisions with in the centre will be standardized with a unique brand. The centre is proposed to be established as a God’s own village in Varkala for popularizing the extinct forms of Traditional Art with an eco-friendly atmosphere. The Centre will be a great attraction to the tourists visiting Varkala.
