Kerala Travel Guide
Koodiyattam (literally, dancing together)
It is perhaps the oldest dance drama still in existence in India. Based on the
Sanskrit text, a performance of this art form may last from a few days to a
few weeks. The Koothambalam is elaborately decorated with plantain trees, bunches
of tender coconut and fronds of coconut leaves; the stage, however, is simple.
Koodiyattam is performed in different stages-the opening beat of a drum, the
invocation (vandana slokam), the purificatory ceremony, an interlude of orchestra
and then the actual recital. Makeup patterns and costumes of Koodiyattam are
believed to be the forerunners of the Kathkali costume.
Kathakali (literally, story play):
This spectacular classical dance drama of Kerala based on the guidelines laid
by sage Bharatha's Natya Sastra, the ancient treatise on dance and drama, is
over 1500 years old. This elaborate art form is usually performed in the evening
and continues up to dawn, and is an integral part of all temple and cultural
festivals in Kerala.
The costumes and makeup are ornamental, elaborate and design to give a superhuman
effect. The actors do not speak or sing but enact the story through mudras (hand
gestures) graceful movements and facial expressions. The themes of this awe
inspiring art are taken from India's rich and colourful mythology.
Music is an essential feature of Kathakali with two vocalists who sing to the
accompaniment of a chengila (gong), elathalam (small cymbals), chenda and maddalam.
Chakyarkoothu:
Also called Koothu, is one of the oldest classical theatre arts of Kerala. The
solo dance is usually presented in the Koothambalam of temples to the accompaniment
of the mizhavu and elathalam. The performance begins with an invocation to the
presiding deity of the temple. The narration is enlivened with the thandava
dance movements, gestures and facial expressions according to the guidelines
in Natya Sastra. Koothu is distinct for its comic element which adds to its
dramatic character. Themes are usually from the epics. The costume is colourful
and bizarre with a strange headgear.
Krishnanattamas:
The name suggests, originated as a votive offering to sree Krishna. This group
performance, based on the Sanskrit text Krishna Geetha, is presented across
eight nights. The charm of this classical art form is in the synchronised graceful
movements of the entire group. The costume and makeup of Krishnanattam bear
traces of resemblances to Kathkali and folk arts likeThiyattam, Mudiyettu and
Theyyam. Musical instruments used are maddalam, elathalam and chengila. Krishnanattam
is most commonly performed in the Guruvayoor temple.
Mohiniyattam (the dance of the enchantress):
This classical solo dance form combines the graceful elegance of Bharatanatyam
with the vigour and dynamism of Kathakli, to create a mood that is predominantly
sringara(erotic).
The dance is usually performed on specially put up stages in connection with
temple festivals. The costume is the traditional white mundu and melmundu of
Kerala. The hair is gathered and put up at the side of the head and adorned
with jasmine, in the traditional style.
Patakam (literally, dissertation):
It is similar to Koothu in technical content, gestures and movements. However,
the narration is through prose and song sequences. The costume is predominated
by the red colour-the red head dress and a red silk wrist band. The performer
also wears heavy garlands around the neck and thick lines of sandal paste across
the forehead. Patakam is also performed outside the temples.
Thullal:
It is a modification of the koothu and is characterised by simplicity of presentation,
wit and humour. This dance form was originated by Kunjan Nambiar, one of the
leading poets of Malayalam. The solo performance is marked by fast and rhythmic
movements. The dancer himself sings the lead to accompaniment of the maddalam
and elathalam. Thullal is classified into three - Ottanthullal, Seethankam thullal
and Parayanthullal-based on the metre and rhythm of the songs and distinction
in costume and dance.
As most other art forms of Kerala, Thullal also has colourful costumes, with
elaborate headgears and painting of the face. And is usually presented during
temple festivals.
