SARPATATWAM OR THE SERPENT WISDOM by Dr. Methil Devika

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“Sarpatatwam or The Serpent Wisdom” by Mohiniyattam artiste Methil Devika is a dancer’s portrayal of serpent allure and is the first-ever Indian Classical dance short-doc to have been voted into the contention list of the Oscar Academy Award, 2019 The serpent has long held the fascination of numerous cultures which imbues it with God-like qualities. The serpent is both feared and worshipped in not only Indian culture but across civilisations be it Greek, Egyptian or Chinese. Through Mohiniyattom, an Indian classical dance form dating back to 17th century, the dancer interprets the serpent’s moves as it coils, unfurls and glides through mysterious spaces. We are transported to another time, where there’s nothing left but the primordial. The archival film is an attempt to preserve Indian philosophy and mysticism through traditional performance and its associated esoteric and representative symbols. The documentary is unique in real-time performance-filming as it remains true to the artiste’s internalizing of the content, her dissemination through movement, trance and verbal conversation.

Concept/Choreography/ Music Adaptation/ Performance - METHIL DEVIKA
Directed by - Rajesh Kadamba/Methil Devika
DOP- Vipin Chandran
Edited by - Alby Nataraj
Produced by- Mukesh/ Methil Devika

Vocal - Aparna Sharma
Mridangam- P. Jayasankar
Veena- V. Soundarrajan
Violin- Shrikumar
Edakka/ Chenda/ Maddalam- Sajth Pappan

Copyright: Chitrakutam Art House

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"And throw what is in your right hand; it will swallow up what they have crafted. What they have crafted is but the trick of a magician, and the magician will not succeed wherever he is.".....The Quran/Sahih Intl.(20:69)

Jesus exhorted them, "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves"...The Bible/Matthew (10:16)

Viṣēn hanmi tē viṣam
....Atharvaveda 9|13|4

Devika