Lochanam / ലോചനം / लोचनम
"Take the light from the lamp in your eyes and now travel with your eyes" These were the directions given to us by our instructor Sooraj Nambiar in a workshop called Lochanam which is the Sanskrit word for eyes. This particular workshop is one of the segments of the larger world of Kutiyattam, the ancient form of Sanskrit theatre which requires training of the highest order. Education in storytelling through dance, movement, music as well as knowledge of the Sanskrit text is at the center of this learning that immerses the performer in training that begins in childhood and carries onto adulthood. It is true immersion. I had known about Kutiyattam through actor friends who knew others who went through years of training. I also chanced upon a talk by The Sanksrit Channel you can listen to it here so when I saw the opportunity for Lochanam I decided to participate. Every morning we sat practicing the art of looking far ahead trying our best to not blink to follow lines dia