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.
Other Arts of Kerala |

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.