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Classical Arts of Kerala
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Classical Arts
of Kerala |
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The classical arts of Kerala dates back to thousand of years.
Some of the classical arts of Kerala are Kathakali,
Chakyarkoothu, Koodiyattam, Mohiniyattam, Krishnanattam, Patakam
and Thullal. |
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Kathakali |
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Kathakali is the popular art form of Kerala. Kathakali literally
means the story play. This spectacular classical dance drama of
Kerala is based on the guidelines laid by the Natya Sastra, the
ancient treaty on dance and drama. This classical dance is
usually performed in the evenings and cultural festivals in
Kerala. This dance is also referred as the first theatre of
imagination of the world due to its elaborate and ornamental
costumes, ornaments and facial make-up. In this dance, the
actors do not speak or sing but enact the story through mudras
(hand gestures), graceful movements and facial expressions. The
themes of the dance are taken from the colourful and rich
mythology of India. Music is an essential part of
the Kathakali dance, where two vocalists sings to the
accompaniment of a chengila (gong), elathalam (small cymbals),
chenda and maddalam. |
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Krishnanattam |
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The Krishnanattam dance originated as a votive offering to Sree
Krishna. This dance is performed in groups and based on the
Krishna Geetha, the Sanskrit text. This dance is presented for
eight nights. The charm of this classical dance can be seen in
the synchronized graceful movements of the entire group. The
costume and makeup of Krishnattam resembles to Kathakali and
folk arts like Thiyattam, Mudiayettu and Theyyam. The musical
instruments which are used in this dance are maddalam, elathalam
and chengila. Krishnattam is most commonly performed in the
Guruvayoor temple. |
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Mohiniyattam |
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Mohiniyattam is another classical dance of Kerala. This dance of
the enchantress combines the graceful elegance of Bharatanatyam
and the vigour and dynamism of Kathakali, 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.
Mohiniyattom reflects the graceful nature of the land. The
movements of the dancer can be compared to the palms swaying in
the gentle breeze and the sweeping waves which are a part of
Kerala’s lush landscape. |
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Chakyarkoothu
Chakyarkoothu also
known as Koothu, is one of the oldest classical theatre arts of
Kerala. The solo dance is usually presented in the Koothambalam
of temples with the mizhavu and elathalam. The performance
begins with an invocation to the presiding deity of the temple.
The narration is accompanied with the thandava dance movements,
gestures and facial expressions acoording to the guidelines in
Natya Sastra. Koothu is mainly
known for its comic element which is added to its dramatic
character. The themes are taken from the epics. The costume is
colourful and bizarre with a strange headgear.
Patakam
Patakam literally means dissertation. Patakam is similar to
Koothu in technical content, gestures and movements. The
narration is made through prose and song sequences. The dancers
wear the red colour costume like the red head dress and a red
silk wrist band. The performer also wears heavy garlands around
the forehead. Patakam is performed outside the temples.
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Koodiyattam
Koodiyattam
that literally means dancing together is one of the oldest dance
drama in India. This dance drama is associated with temple
rituals and was recently selected by UNESCO as one among the
‘Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity’.
This dance is based on the Sanskrit text and is performed from a
few days to few weeks. The Koothambalam is elaborately decorated
with plantain trees, bunches of tender coconut and fronds of
coconut leaves. But, the stage is very simple. Koodiyattam is
performed in different stages which begins with the opening beat
of a drum, the invocation (vandana slokam), the purification
ceremony, an interlude of orchestra and the actual recital. The
makeup patterns and costumes of Koodiyattam are believed to be
the forerunners of the costumes in Kathakali.
Thullal
Thullal is a modification of the Koothu and characterized by
simplicity of presentation, wit and humour. Thullal, another
classical art form of dance keeps the audience in a constant
state of merriment. 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 the accompaniment of the maddalam and
elathalam. Ottanthullal, Seethankam thullal and Parayanthullal
are the three different types of Thullal based on the metre and
rhythm of the songs and difference in their costume and dance.
In this dance also, the dancers wear colourful costumes, with
elaborate headgears and paintings on the face. This dance is
usually presented during temple festivals.
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