Kerala's Legacy Lives On: 'Cross Belt' in San Francisco

Thapasya Arts San Francisco recently brought the powerful drama "Cross Belt," penned by the esteemed late N.N. Pillai, to the HUSD Performing Arts Center in Hayward. This staging, performed entirely by talented Bay Area artists, offered a compelling live rendition of a story widely recognized through its 1970 film adaptation.

While many associate "Cross Belt" with the film directed by Crossbelt Mani and produced by A. Ponnappan, featuring iconic performances by Sathyan, Sharada, Kaviyoor Ponnamma, and Adoor Bhasi, it's crucial to acknowledge the play's original theatrical roots. The narrative, whether on screen or stage, delves into a woman's desperate act of violence born from challenging circumstances, and the subsequent repercussions. N.N. Pillai's writing, both for the stage and the film, explores complex social issues and human drama, with the title "Cross Belt" itself alluding to the law enforcement theme central to the story.

Witnessing the Bay Area production evoked vivid memories of watching the classic black-and-white film. The local cast and crew delivered an exceptional performance, demonstrating that the spirit of Malayalam theater flourishes even far from Kerala. 

Their dedication and passion were palpable, creating an immersive and moving experience. The enthusiastic applause at the play's conclusion was a sincere expression of gratitude for the artists' commitment and talent.

This performance of "Cross Belt" served as a powerful reminder of the enduring strength of regional art and its ability to connect communities. It was a testament to the Bay Area's vibrant Malayalam cultural scene, where art and community seamlessly intertwine, leaving a lasting and impactful impression.

A Saturday evening well spent !

~Dawn

We must keep going !

This past Saturday, January 25th, the Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD) in San Francisco hosted a captivating event in partnership with SFJAZZ, celebrating Black History Month with a unique blend of art and music.

The afternoon began with a guided tour of MoAD's exhibitions. MoAD's current exhibition is a vibrant exploration of Black identity, creativity, and the concept of "liberatory living." The show cleverly intertwines art and design, showcasing how everyday objects and spaces can become powerful expressions of self and community.

Zanele Muholi's striking photographic portrait, "Balindile I, the square, Cape Town 2017," likely served as a compelling anchor for the exhibition. Muholi's work often confronts issues of race, gender, and sexuality, and this piece probably provided a powerful lens through which to view the other works. Malene Djaneba Barnett's "Illusion of Softness" wallpaper added a tactile and visually rich dimension. Barnett's work explores themes of African heritage and ancestral connection, and the wallpaper likely created an immersive environment within the exhibition.

The overall theme of "Liberatory Living: Black Radical Joy" provided a framework for understanding the works on display. It suggests that by creating and inhabiting spaces that reflect their own values and aesthetics, Black individuals can experience a sense of freedom, joy, and empowerment. 

This exhibition seems to be a testament to MoAD's commitment to showcasing diverse voices and perspectives within the African diaspora. By blending art, design, and social commentary, it creates a thought-provoking and inspiring experience with a range of powerful and thought-provoking works exploring the African diaspora. Museum tours always offer a chance for personal reflection and shared perspectives, and this one was likely no different, sparking conversations and deepening understanding.

Following the tour, the focus shifted to music with a performance by the talented Martin Luther McCoy, known for his soulful blend of blues, R&B, and storytelling, McCoy treated the audience to an intimate concert in the museum's gallery. He was joined by bassist Elizabeth, adding depth and groove to his signature sound. This performance was particularly special as it offered a first listen to selections from McCoy's upcoming album "Welcome Back Love," giving attendees a sneak peek into his creative process.

Overall, the event seems to have been a resounding success, offering a rich and engaging experience that combined the visual power of art with the emotive force of music. It provided a fitting tribute to Black History Month, showcasing the creativity and resilience of Black artists and their contributions to our cultural landscape. And meeting curator Kee Jo Lee at the end of the visit was a great way to deepen my understanding of the exhibition. Curators play a crucial role in shaping the narrative of an exhibition, and Lee's insights likely added a valuable layer to our experience.

The personal touch at MoAD extended beyond the art itself. Elizabeth Gessel, the Director of Public Programs, sent a thoughtful email after I registered for the event, which made me feel welcomed and valued. Then, receiving a thank you note from her after attending added a special touch and deepened my connection to the museum. This level of personal attention and care elevated the entire experience, making it feel truly touching and thoughtful.

~Dawn

“Creativity takes courage”

I was going to write today about my nostalgic feelings after watching the movie Rocketman as it brought back so many of my childhood memories. This man Elton John, who brought so much of happiness to people's life through his music, was actually suffering and was never loved. It made me very sad and inside me I was sad and was reading every article and information that I could get on Elton John. 

"The function of art is to struggle against obligation" 

There's a period where you suffer through and then a period where you compose yourself and express it so its out of your system and today exactly that's what my plan was, until!!!!

I read a post on my facebook which one of my friend posted it about another Kathakali artist whom I know as well. This friend is an artist besides a tech professional and often goes to India and within Bay Area to perform Kathakali, an art that originates from Kerala. Originates doesn't mean that you own and no one else can learn and master it or be creative with an art.

The post that was shared was from 2016, however this friend shared it now and apparently I know the artist about whom they posted about is from northern India and loves Kathakali form of art and he learned and he performs all over the world. Part of his performance he has achieved lot of name and fame for his performances and he has got lot of rewards and one of them is from the Ministry of India as well.

"Art is not always about pretty things. It's about Who we are, What happened to us, and How our lives are affected" ~ Elizabeth Broun 

When I read it was about this person getting the Ministry award and bunch of Kerala folks criticizing the artist and claiming that he is not doing Kathakali but something else.
I mean a form of art no matter where it originates, but if someone else masters it how can you get jealous? How can you not promote the artist for loving your art and appreciate his effort? Thats basic human instinct! But you being an artist yourself? How can you not support your fellow artists no matter whether you know them or not... they are artist and what I believe is true artist they always support other artists. Because they know the effort that one has to put in and in return they don't get much other than appreciation.

"The job of an artist is to offer a sanctuary of beauty to an ugly world." ~ Jeff Goins

I was really disappointed to see something like this shared in social media. 
Why can't we human be human and not be jealous and selfish? 

Disappointing!

"Never speak from a place of hate, jealousy, anger, or insecurity. Evaluate your words before you let them leave your lips. Sometimes its best to keep quiet."

~ Dawn

Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value

Lately, with the posts like independence and friendship how can I forget Music as music is the life …the food…to survive :)

I happened to watch one of the episode of the India program called ‘Koffee with Karan’ in which they had Himesh Reshamiya as guest.

“All television is educational television. The question is: what is it teaching?” ~Nicholas Johnson

It was interesting, as I myself like some of his songs but he is been labeled as a nasal singer. More over he initially came up as a composer, music director and then he took to singing and now acting too.

I remember Sonu Nigam – another great singer who acted in movie but the movie got flop. So he is a successful singer though not an actor.

“The distance between insanity and genius is measured only by success”. ~ Bruce Feirstein

When Himesh’s movie promo was going on I thought is he gone crazy!
Believe me I like his some of the songs and let me tell you its awesome and liked by most of them due to the peppiness and it’s different ;)

I remember once, I brought the DVD of his movie and I don’t know I didn’t even reach the half and got to some other work and then forgot to watch and returned the dvd to the store :D

I had the feeling that he is arrogant, full of pride and doesn’t respect anyone. When I saw the ‘Koffeee with Karan’ program he was totally a different person!
He is like I agree what ever people say about me that I am a nasal singer and initially I was trying to defend myself lol!

“Modesty is not only an ornament, but also a guard to virtue” ~ Joseph Addison

I was totally zapped at his statement, but don’t know something has happened that he is trying to show he is down to earth person! But in that show also with my analytical skills ;) I felt that he was accepting the critic that he is a nasal singer but then he said I am accepting this because I am successful today – which clearly meant that he is kind of telling people that yes, I am a nasal singer so what you people like it anyway …lol!

Well, couple of things I liked about him during the interview session where he said- he has no talent and its mere luck and prayers that has made him so successful and secondly that what goes up has to come down (gravity I guess ;) ) so he knows there will be a down fall time too and so seems he has prepared himself for that.

“The depth of your mythology is the extent of your effectiveness”. ~ John C. Maxwell

Of all these, I was amazed to see his co-competitors or should I say other composers and music directors who were asked to comment on Himesh’s success and talent.

I am discussing about Himesh but then I will not loose the opportunity to discuss about others too here :) as you don’t always get one ;)

There were singers and music directors who commented and I have to say I was very happy and glad to hear from these two people who were readily accepting that Himesh has done what they never thought of, such as

Anu Mallik – I think he is a senior and established music director/singer and yet he accepted that Himesh is great in his creativity and he has done something which they have not thought of doing and so the result is that he just came and is climbing the stairs of success.

“It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something”. ~ Franklin D. Roosevelt

Similarly, Shaan – the playback singer who said people say its by fluke Himesh’s songs got hit but then how many fluke’s does it happen?
He also accepted that, his kids also always sing the songs that Himesh sing and I think that’s a very honest statement to share with audience and yet honest compliment that Himesh can get one.

I have high respect for these two people even though they are best in their field they are down to earth and ready to accept the truth and I think any artist who is a true artist will be like one of them.

“A successful person is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks that others throw at him or her”. ~ David Brinkley

Now comes the critic part of the other comments that were made.

Kailash Kher : He is a good singer and I like his sufi songs which you can find in my radio-blog too. But the way he was criticizing Himesh saying his songs get hit because he is hammering the lyrics many times :D….so it gets in to people’s mind haha I was laughing at that one….are people so stupid?
Another comment he made was like a certain group or community enjoys Himesh’s songs not the upper class…wow! What a statement to make? In fact in the survey that ‘Koffeee with Karan’ did had all class and all mediums who were mentioning how much they love his songs whether its in the car, pubs or even marriages…in fact Madhuri Dixit said Himesh’s song is family song of there’s :D isn’t that a big compliment and says about the class? :D

Aadesh Srivastav: He is a music director and he was saying yes Himesh is successful in what ever he is doing but its all commercial and I would judge him based on his classical music…! C’mon you can’t accept that you are not there where he reached in a short matter of time?

Udit Narayan : He is a playback singer and was very much smiling when saying that he is happy with Himesh’s success. He didn’t say any negative thing but the way he was saying –more or less it seemed like a sarcastic comment.

Over all I want to say is that an artist can be liked by few, more or everyone but then no matter what If the artist is successful then one shouldn’t deny about their success and accept the fact that there is a difference in creativity thinking.

“The jealous are troublesome to others, but a torment to themselves”. ~William Penn

The moment you start giving reasons why another person is successful or let him do this or that and then see if he achieves success then I think that’s more or less a jealous that is talking and jealousy never takes you anywhere.

Music is something I always felt is soothing and the people attached to it are too but when I see all this I feel everything is ultimately business and money :)

“What is a cynic? A man who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing.” ~ Oscar Wilde