The company was led by Kalamandalam Gopi, former Principal of the Kerala Kalamandalam and considered to be the finest actor of the older generation, particularly of heroic paccha roles. Company Directors, Kalamandalam Vijayakumar and Kalamandalam Barbara Vijayakumar, and the College dedicated the performance to David Bolland in honour of his lifetime work in support of Kathakali and the artists of Kerala, South India.

The performance also marked a debt of gratitude to David Bolland for the generous gift of his extensive film and video collection to the College. His Collection covers material dating from the 1950s and represents the finest record in existence of the major performers of the second half of the twentieth century. The transfer of the major parts of the collection to DVD has recently been completed by former Vice-Principal, Anthony Hozier, for general viewing in the College’s Library.

In a brief ceremony in the Library during the afternoon – with live music and a heartfelt speech by Barbara Vijayakumar – Kalamandalam Gopi and the company formally handed over the archive on behalf of David Bolland to two students who will represent the interest of future generations in the art of Kathakali. The events of the day provided a great opportunity to bring together the Company, the College and old friends from India to celebrate the major contribution of David Bolland to Kathakali.

Photo Credits

• Top Left, from the left: Nelliode Namboodiri, David Bolland, Kalamandalam Gopi, Kalamandalam Barbara Vijayakumar.
• Top middle, from the left: Anthony Hozier, Nelliode Namboodiri, David Bolland, Kalamandalam Gopi, Kalamandalam Vijayakumar, Kalamandalam Haridas, Kalamandalam Barbara Vijayakumar.
• Top Right, from the left: David Bolland, Kalamandalam Gopi.
• Bottom Left: Kalamandalamn Unnithan & Kalamandalam Vijayakumar. Photo courtesy of Kala Chethena Theatre Company.
• Bottom Middle: Kalamandalam Gopi & Kalamandalam Vijayakumar. Photo courtesy of Kala Chethena Theatre Company.
• Bottom Right:Kalamandalam Gopi. Photo courtesy of Kala Chethena Theatre Company.