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Classical Art of Kerala
Classical Art of Kerala
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.
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.
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.
