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  • The Lone Tusker (Ottayan) - KN Panikkar

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    The Chakyar, an actor from Kerala, finds himself lost in a forest as night falls. He encounters a woodsman who believes the Chakyar to be a rogue elephant. The Chakyar acts the part of an elephant to avoid harm. The woodsman leads the Chakyar deeper into the forest to their dwelling, where another woodsman Mooppanar is waiting. The woodsmen threaten and interrogate the Chakyar, demanding he open his knapsack. The knapsack contains items from the Chakyar's performances. The woodsmen are intrigued by a kuzithala cymbal, taking it and dancing to its rhythm.

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    The Lone Tusker (Ottayan) - Kn Panikkar

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    The Chakyar, an actor from Kerala, finds himself lost in a forest as night falls. He encounters a woodsman who believes the Chakyar to be a rogue elephant. The Chakyar acts the part of an elephant to avoid harm. The woodsman leads the Chakyar deeper into the forest to their dwelling, where another woodsman Mooppanar is waiting. The woodsmen threaten and interrogate the Chakyar, demanding he open his knapsack. The knapsack contains items from the Chakyar's performances. The woodsmen are intrigued by a kuzithala cymbal, taking it and dancing to its rhythm.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
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    Download as pdf or txt
    338 views7 pages

    The Lone Tusker (Ottayan) - KN Panikkar

    Uploaded by

    mindlessarien
    The Chakyar, an actor from Kerala, finds himself lost in a forest as night falls. He encounters a woodsman who believes the Chakyar to be a rogue elephant. The Chakyar acts the part of an elephant to avoid harm. The woodsman leads the Chakyar deeper into the forest to their dwelling, where another woodsman Mooppanar is waiting. The woodsmen threaten and interrogate the Chakyar, demanding he open his knapsack. The knapsack contains items from the Chakyar's performances. The woodsmen are intrigued by a kuzithala cymbal, taking it and dancing to its rhythm.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
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    of 7

    THE LONE TUSKER (OTTAYAN) –

    K.N. PANIKKAR
    TRANSLATION BY – K.S NARAYANA PILLAI

    Chakyar enters. (The Chakyars form a community of artists who perform the Koothu and
    Koodiyattam plays in the Koothampalams of Kerala temples.) He carries a knapsack on
    his back. He appears to be on a long journey.

    CHAKYAR : My name is Parameshwaran. Well-versed in the art of speech, and being


    incarnated in a family of Kusilavas and Sutas, I took up acting as my profession. And today I
    propose to enact an extremely and entirely enjoyable story for the benefit of the audience. At
    the outset let me tell you that compared to my other plays this play is peculiar in more than
    one respect. You probably got that impression from the way I began. It is a purely
    Lokadharmi play; by this I simply mean that the story really took place. It is a tale of worldly
    affairs. I will certainly do my best to make it a Natyadharmi play; in other words, I shall try to
    add the necessary embellishments, clothe it in attractive costume and enact it in a suitable
    manner, nay in the most befitting and appropriate style. If you are to experience this
    Natyadharmi quality, a bare representation is not enough. Shouldn’t I render at least one
    verse? For that I have undergone voice training and am more or less ready. I shall recite the
    verse in due course. Just because I have to recite a verse I must not make it worse.
    Now, I don’t want to leave another peculiarity of the play unsaid. This is my
    own story, which means that it could be yours too.
    For,
    there reflects a different image
    on the Sun
    in each of the bowls filled
    with water
    the sun is one and the same, the
    images many,
    let us all be one as we enter my story.
    Also let us see if by elaboration, we may make ambiguous
    what has already been said,
    Between you and me Do not
    differentiate, we are all one
    spirit with manifold forms.
    We might say that both you
    and I exist,
    or it may be that
    neither you nor I exist.

    Now that I have stated a few simple maxims, I shall start narrating the story in the
    Natyadharmi style of articulation in which I have trained myself. I do promise that later I shall
    move onto the enactment of the play in the proper manner. Let me start with the verse:
    One of bravado one day,
    the lone adventurer that I am,
    at the end of a performance sacred I
    picked up my knapsack
    and left the place,
    And while travelling thus alone, by the
    force of my sins of the past
    I was trapped in a jungle as dusk fell
    I was struck by the storm raging within.

    Having recited the verse and enacted its meaning, he turns to one side and indicates having
    seen a forest.

    Oh! What shall I do now? Whither shall I go in this wild jungle? A dreadful forest without
    even the scent of man! Oh! God, it is a pity that I am trapped here at this untimely hour.
    (Looking into the distance with rapt attention) Is that nor a herd of grazing elephants that I
    see yonder? Or are these elephants but a cluster of hillocks hugging the darkness? There is
    also a towering tusker who has broken away from the herd. He is running along in rut. Had I
    been at home, how interestingly could I have described the odour of the rutting and the
    swinging gait of this elephant in rut! But now-alas the tusker is aiming at me and running
    forward. At this critical moment all my histrionic talents are benumbed. Not only that, I am
    also learning new lessons.
    But will this humble actor live long enough to re-enact them in a manner beneficial to the
    world at large? Come what may, let me try a bit of acting in front of this elephant. If I am
    blessed enough, the elephant may be frightened by my performance and go back. In that case
    I won’t have to give up my life; that would mean that the art of acting has triumphed.

    He pretends to be an elephant and dances to the accompaniment of drum beats. While the
    performance is going on, a woodsman appears on the stage. Even after his arrival, the
    Chakyar continues dancing. The woodsman also acts as if he sees a real elephant in front of
    him.

    WOODSMAN : Are you an elephant, you wretched fellow?


    CHAKYAR : Yes , I am a lone tusker in rut that has lost its way, I strayed away from a herd
    of elephants grazing at a distance. I feel that I have become incapable of staying with the
    herd.
    WOODSMAN : Aren’t you in rut ? Let me see if I can put you in chains (acts as if he is
    beating the Chakyar).

    CHAKYAR : Oh my dear Woodsman, don’t beat me. Please don’t.


    WOODSMAN: Don’t I have to chain you? (continues to ‘beat’him)
    CHAKYAR : Oh no. you need not . my rut has subsided . I am now a lone tusker well trained
    and disciplined. I don’t think I need to be tamed.. I promise I shall adjust myself to any
    company, why did you beat me like that? Please don’t beat me . Did you beat me up in order
    to chain me? It is quite unnecessary . Night is approaching and the scene is a desolate forest.
    And I, A lone tusker, no shelter for me. And then I have the good luck to meet someone
    resembling a human being . Therefore you may chain me anywhere you like.
    WOODSMAN : (looking at the knapsack of the chakyar), What is this,
    fellow? CHAKYAR : A knapsack.
    WOODSMAN : What kind of knapsack?
    CHAKYAR : The same as everyone has.
    WOODSMAN : There must be something in it, Pick it up yourself,
    (Chakyar puts it across his shoulder ) Now move along. Hm move on
    He strikes the Chakyar from behind. The latter walks along in a circle imitating the gait of
    an elephant.
    CHAKYAR : (turning around ) where are you taking me?
    WOODSMAN: Aren’t you afraid ? After all, I am a woodsman .
    CHAKYAR : My beloved woodsman, I am really frightened. I am quite sure that within my
    mind I am afraid . Don’t you get the impression that I am afraid ? you should have got that
    impression. Or is it because I am not acting? (turning to the audience) In such helpless
    condition , how can anyone act?
    WOODSMAN : Really ? then move on to our dwelling (Both of them resume walking in a
    circle) there you’ll find Mooppanar
    CHAKYAR Mooppanar ! What's he? Animal or man?
    WOODSMAN : Neither . just Moopanar.
    CHAKYAR : Will he eat me up, my dear woodsman?
    WOODSMAN : Why not? The sin of killing will be washed off by the eating
    CHAKYAR : Then I’m going to be killed ? my beloved friend , kindly free me here. It is
    better for me to be devoured by some wild animal than to go to your dwelling.
    WOODSMAN : No , you won’t be let free (grabs hold of the chakyar )*
    CHAKYAR : I shall run away and escape even without my own knowledge (runs)
    WOODSMAN : Stop there! (He seizes the Chakyar and brings him back)
    CHAKYAR : (falling at the woodsman’s feet). My beloved woodsbaby * save me, please
    save me. Pray let me off without doing me any harm!

    Abruptly the chakyar stops acting his part, moves downstage and speaks to the audience as if
    he is discoursing.

    Uttering such words , I feel at of the woodsman and entreated him not take me to his
    dwelling. At that time, just about an hour of day time was left. It was in the middle of a forest
    . hence it was impossible to tell the exact time . Still had the light started fading away
    completely? No; but wasn’t there some dimness here and there? Oh yes, there was. Or was
    the light fading within my mind? That was the truth. The inner light was completely gone: As
    to what happened afterwards
    - Both the characters enact their respective roles as indicated in the following verse.

    In fear I walked on, The woodsman struck me hard;


    I paused in grief;
    he roared from behind in command
    Thoughts of the guardian deity in mind,
    I gave myself up to such justice
    as the forest proffers.
    My fear and grief Vanished.

    Chakyar falls down, A second woodsman Mooppanar( The head of the clan ) more
    dreadful than the first one , enters with touch in hand . Both of them stand behind the
    Chakyar, with raised swords. They laugh aloud jubilantly. But the Chakyar is not
    frightened at all.

    WOODSMEN (moving their swords in a ritualistic manner around the Chakyar’s


    head). For Kali, Kuli and Kalan,
    for the subject, for the king,
    for the blessed victim,
    for blood for vatha and kotha,
    ride on my sword and come.
    Oh Kali, Tirukali, Bhadrakali
    CHAKYAR: Who are you? What are you doing? You must tell me the truth. Are you gods of
    death? If so , it is good that we have met. When do you return? I shall go with you
    MOOPPANAR: Where?
    CHAKYAR: To your country.
    WOODSMAN: Open your knapsack, let me see what’s in it
    CHAKYAR: There’s nothing in my knapsack; nothing suitable for you.
    MOOPPANAR: All the same, open the knapsack, you!( Brandishes his sword. They push
    the Chakyar about as if he is a plaything)
    CHAKYAR: Ha, but why such flirting with me, beloved? If you think I won’t open the
    knapsack
    even after such humble entreaties from both of you, you are indeed two pigheads. It is
    wrongly said that you are animals. You have no intelligence at all.
    WOODSMAN: (shouting).Remember, we can follow what you say!
    MOOPPANAR: (In a still louder voice). Your throat will be split open, you dog. Open
    your knapsack, hm, open it.
    Chakyar opens his knapsack. In it there are two or three withered red garlands. Apart from
    these there are bracelets and a head dress. The woodsman examines these items one by one.
    At last he takes out a pair of kuzithala or small cymbals.
    WOODSMAN: What is this, you loner?
    CHAKYAR: It is the kuzithala. How did it happen to be in my knapsack? This is the Kuzithala
    on which my Nagiyar, my beloved one, used to keep rhythm with her lotus hands( caresses
    the kuzithala). She made a mistake in the rhythm during the performance. So, I quarreled with
    her and came away. Still there is her kuzithala in my knapsack
    WOODSMAN: What is this for?
    CHAKYAR: (striking the kuzithala rhythmically) To give tala. Hearing it , even people like
    you with all the darkness of the forest, their heads can dance.
    WOODSMAN: (snatches away the kuzithala from the Chakyar, beats rhythm on it and
    dances). It is fine, very fine, you loner.
    Chakyar takes back the kuzithala and plays on it for some time. The rhythm inspires the
    two woodsmen to dance in ecstasy
    MOOPPANAR: ( extricating himself from the effects of the rhythm). Stop this playing , stop it.
    (To woodsman). Shouldn’t we do away with him? Take up the sword. Brandish it

    Together they make the Chakyar stand with his head bent. Woodsman is about to cut off
    his head.
    CHAKYAR: Wait a bit .You woodsmen, what are you doing? What have I done to deserve
    this ? Beat the rhythm on the kuzithala?
    MOOPPANAR: No. Mother Kali wants blood. She wants your crimson blood. Hm.
    Bend forward now
    CHAKYAR: (pretending to be afraid). This might be better than being swallowed by wild
    animals. (Diplomatically). Still , it is only a short while since we got acquainted. Shouldn’t we
    get to know each other? Shouldn’t we establish an intimacy? After that , you may beat me up ,
    or kill me or do whatever you like.
    MOOPPANAR: Who are you? Tell me the truth.
    CHAKYAR: I? You may consider me an animal from the country . Since you have dedicated
    to offer me as a sacrifice to Kali, I must certainly be an animal, (To the audience) If it becomes
    necessary to play the role of an animal . What can I do but play it?
    WOODSMAN: What is your occupation?
    CHAKYAR: Drama
    MOOPPANAR: Drama? Then do some drama
    CHAKYAR: It is impossible to ‘do’ drama as and when you ask me to;do you understand
    me , wild cats?
    MOOPPANAR: What did you call us? Let me hear it again.
    CHAKYAR: It’s a very respectable term--wild cats
    WOODSMAN: Are you willing to do drama? If not , I will spill your blood (lifts the sword)
    CHAKYAR: Don’t do that. I shall do drama. But it requires some preparation.
    MOOPPANAR: What do you require?
    CHAKYAR : Both of you must at least be ready to see it, Are you ready?
    MOOPPANAR : I am ready.
    WOODSMAN : I am also ready.
    CHAKYAR : Then half the work is over. The light of that torch will suffice. Look here
    friends, it is not enough on your part to be merely ready to see the play, Watch me closely
    with your whole mind involved in the performance. (The woodsmen remain motionless,
    closely watching the Chakyar). In this forest, you have only caves to dwell in, isn't it so? I
    shall build a nice house for you. (The woodsmen look at each other approvingly)
    WOODSMAN : A house? Very good. Build it, build it.
    MOOPPANAR : Oh yes, build the house, build it by all means. You are a clever guy.
    CHAKYAR : (mentions one by one the various steps connected with the construction of a
    house and simultaneously enacts it in time to drum beats) First of all the ground must be cut
    into and made ready. Then the foundation has to be built by piling up stones one by one. After
    that, the walls have to be built up.
    Don't we need some timber for the construction? Look, you have a bulky tree over there. That
    may be cut down. And now, work on the timber. Let me prepare the door frames. I shall fix
    the door myself. Now you have the really difficult work. The beam has to be lifted and put in
    position. That is indeed very hard work, How can i do it alone? I am only a loner. Please join
    in this task. Hm, hold it up.
    Eldiyya - lift it together
    Aaisa - not alone - aaisa
    Elamalira - aaisa

    Chakyar enacts lifting a log. In the background the drum beats come faster. Now the
    woodsmen seem to be carried away by illusion. They join hands with the Chakyar in lifting
    the log, and start behaving as if they are bringing the entire weight. Then the Chakyar
    releases his hold and comes downstage.

    CHAKYAR : (to the audience) See the wild cats lifting the beam. Two guys supporting
    such a weighty beam - you can guess that their strength.
    Are they two lizards perched on the ceiling? They seem to bear the weight of the entire
    ceiling. However, I have won, and they have lost; I don't propose to make such a claim. For I
    am after all a loner. Let the two stand there like this, bearing the whole weight. Meanwhile, I
    shall recite a verse, close this drama and then join them in bearing the weight. The audience
    may utilise that time to leave this theatre.
    Who has won and who has lost,
    I am not eager to learn;
    to wish all happiness to you,
    Bharatavakya will be sung.

    Chakyar and the woodsmen act as if they are carrying the log forward. Their movements are
    in rhythm with the drum beats. Chakyar plays the role of an elephant carrying the log.

    The End.

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