Australian Consulate General in Mumbai, The Centre of Australia-India Relations, Mallakhamb India, Royal Opera House, Mumbai and Avid Learning present Warriors : An Evening of Contemporary Choreography and Ancient Indian Martial Arts. Prepare to witness a rare dialogue between the immemorial traditions of Mallakhamb and Kalaripayattu in spellbinding synergy, coupled with a live soundtrack. Director Benjamin Knapton, Musician Donn Bhatt, performers from Mallakhamb India and CVN Kalari Sangham bring the production’s world premier to Royal Opera House Mumbai, redefining the disciplines’ athleticism in an artistic form.
Marking Ben Knapton and Donn Bhatt’s return to the Royal Opera House after 2019’s landmark performance of Mallakhamb, Avid Learning and Royal Opera House further its mission to elevate the artistic and cultural landscape of Mumbai through enduring partnerships and captivating experiences. We recognize the importance of leveraging the stage to showcase the eternal beauty and skill of our traditional performing arts while also exposing the audiences of all ages and backgrounds to multidisciplinary cross-genre fusions and collaboration.
Join us in witnessing these powerful traditions in an evening of music, physical artistry and innovation.
Mallakhamb
Mallakhamb, an indigenous gymnastic practice and sport derives its name from the words "Malla," meaning wrestling, and "Khamb," referring to a pole. This unique practice has roots that trace back to ancient texts, with the earliest mention found in the Manasallona. Originally developed to train warriors, Mallakhamb was designed to enhance strength, flexibility, and agility—essential qualities for combat. The benefits of this discipline extend beyond physical prowess; it engages the full body while promoting mental clarity and focus. As practitioners navigate intricate poses and transitions on the pole, they cultivate concentration and mindfulness.
Types of Mallakhamb
Mallakhamb, a traditional Indian sport, showcases incredible athleticism and artistry through various forms. The three types are Pole Mallakhamb, Hanging Mallakhamb, and Rope Mallakhamb.
Pole Mallakhamb is the most classic form, featuring a free-standing pole made from teak or rosewood that is typically smeared with castor oil to enhance grip. This sturdy pole lets performers practice various postures and acrobatic movements at impressive heights. The versatility of Pole Mallakhamb makes it a foundational aspect of this ancient discipline.
Hanging Mallakhamb is similar to Pole Mallakhamb but it utilises a hanging pole. This version is often hung from a hook in the air, providing an innovative twist to the performance experience while still allowing practitioners to execute stunning poses and maneuvers.
Lastly, Rope Mallakham takes the art form further by presenting performers who practice their postures on a 5.5-meter suspended rope. This variation emphasizes balance and strength as athletes navigate their routines high above the ground, showcasing not only their physical prowess but also their dedication to mastering this unique sport.
Kalaripayattu - Mother of Martial Arts
Kalaripayattu, often referred to simply as Kalari, is one of the most ancient martial arts in the world, with its origins believed to date back to the 3rd century. The term "Kalari" translates to "exercise," while "payattu" means "fight" or "exercise," reflecting the dual nature of this discipline. According to tradition, the revered saint Parshurama is credited as the founder of Kalaripayattu. He established 42 Kalaris across Kerala and trained 21 masters who were tasked with protecting the land.
Kalaripayyatu - Various Styles and Learning Stages
Kalaripayattu, one of the oldest martial arts in the world, showcases two primary styles that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. Vadakkam Kalaripayattu or the Norther Style, is mainly practised in the Malabar region. This style emphasizes graceful body movements and intricate weaponry techniques, allowing practitioners to develop agility and fluidity in their motions.
In contrast, the Southern style, referred to as Thekken Kalarippayattu or Adi Mura, is practiced in the Travancore region. This style focuses on free-armed techniques and powerful movements that prioritize strength and directness. Practitioners engage in dynamic sequences that enhance their physical power while mastering combat skills.
The journey of learning Kalaripayattu is structured into four distinct stages: Maithari– This stage involves body control exercises; Kolthari– Parctices with Wooden Weapons; Ankathar- Practitioners advance to metal weapons training and Verumkai – The final stage focuses on bare-hand fighting techniques.
Each stage builds upon the previous one, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of both movement and combat within this ancient martial art form.
Mallakhamb at the Global Stage
A special Mallakhamb act curated by Australian director Benjamin Knapton, with a soundtrack performed live by Mumbai-based musician Donn Bhatt and the band, was performed at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games “Festival 2018” held in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia and was also performed at the 2019 Sydney Festival in January. To promote the campaign Sport for All this year Mallakhamb was performed by six visually impaired performers at the India House during the Paris Olympics 2024.
