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Koodiyattom
Instead of single Chakiyar a number of performers get together
and stage dance-drama. That is why it is called Koodiyattom, literally
"dancing together" (The beginnings of Kerala dramaturgy
can be traced to this dance). Both men and women partake in this
performance. Abhinaya is the most important element in Koodiyattom.
The texts are always in Sanskrit and the performance is a prolonged
affair. It may take anything from a few days to a number of weeks.
All the four types of abhinaya, viz. Angikam, Vachikam, Sathvikam
and Aharyam are fully utilized in Koodiyattom. The plays are performed
only in temple precincts as votive offerings. Abhinaya or acting
is a three -fold or even four-fold process
Appropriate hand gestures are symbols are first shown when the
words of the verse are spoken in a typically modulated tone. As
the music is begun, the meaning of the words are translated into
a language of bodily postures, attitudes and facial expressions.
The third is a repetition of the first. Koodiyattom is staged on
the specially built temple theatre called Koothambalam. The stage
is decorated with fruit-bearing plantains and bunches of tender
coconuts and festooned with fronds of the coconut palm. A vessel
overflowing with paddy is placed on the stage. Lighting is done
with a tall oil lamp made of brass. Within a railed enclosure on
the stage is a large copper drum called mizhavu with a high seat
for the Nambiyar drummer. A Nangiyar women plays cymbal and occasionally
recites the verses. The musical element is very much suppressed
in Koodiyattom. At times special orchestral effects are introduced.
The orchestra consists of an edakka, maddalam, a conch, pipe and
horn. There is facial make-up using colour schemes and pattern having
symbolic value, though strict standardization of types is absent.
The make-up patterns as seen in the better-known Kathakali are borrowed
from Koodiyattom.
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Other Arts of Kerala |
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Arjunanritham
:Dance of Arjuna :Arjuna is said to have propitiated goddess Bhadrakaali
by a devotional presentation |
Ayyappan
Theeyattu :Ayyappan theeyattu performed at Sree Ayyappa temples
is one of the two classifications of the religious ritual art called
Theeyattu . |
Chakyarkoothu
: A fine blend of social satire, mime and comedy, the Chakyarkoothu
is usually presented in the traditional temple theatre Koothambalam |
Chuvannathadi
in Kathakali :The vesham symbolically represents five classes,
Pacha (green) portrays noble protagonists, Kathi (knife) villainous,
thadi (beard), Kari (black) represents low characters and Minukku
(prettying up) women, sages, brahmins |
Koodiyattom
: A Nangiyar women plays cymbal and occasionally recites the verses.
The musical element is very much suppressed in Koodiyattom |
Kathi
Thayambaka : It is a pleasure to watch the revered old man weave
magic with his hands moving in perfect synchronisation |
Kummattikali
: mask dance usually performed in the northern districts of Kerala |
Kalamezhuthupattu
: The coloured powders used for the kalam are prepared from natural
products only. |
Kathakali
: Kathakali the classical art form of Kerala is a spectacular blend
of dance, drama, mime and song and is over 300 year old |
Kathakali
Training :They also have to undergo training in dance steps, body
movements, and the mudras or the art of conveying ideas and meanings
through hand gestures. |
Mohiniyattom
: The origin of Mohiniyattom is rooted in Hindu mythology. Legends
says that when the ocean of milk was churned to extract the elixir
of life and immortality, the demons made away with the divine brew |
Ottanthullal
: A satirist, he is the man who brought literary wit and humour within
the ken of common man |
Pavakali
: Pavakkathakali was so simple a version of the Kathakali
that it was welcomed by the illiterate, rural people for whom 'Kathakali'
was inaccessible owing to its complexity. |
Parichamuttukali
: Parichamuttukali is a group dance performed by men bearing swords
and shields and follows the movements and steps of Kalarippayattu. |
Paramparya
: Paramparya is a curtain raiser to the treasure trove of the arts
and crafts tradition of India. The second annual exhibition was held
on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake |
Parumthattom
: The leading musicial instrument accompanying the art form is
called Parayan Chenda - a percussion instrument. |
Patayani
: Kadammanitta, Kadalimangalam, Neelamperur and Othara in Pathanamthitta
are famous for annual Patayani performances. |
Thiruvathirakali
:Today, Thiruvathirakali has become a popular dance
form for all seasons. |
Yakshaganam
:Yakshagana performers wear huge headgears, elaborate facial make-up,
colourful costumes and ornaments which together give a superhuman
appearance to the character presented. |
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