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Kerala Dances
Kathakali
Kerala
owes its transnational fame to this nearly 300 years old classical dance form
which combines facets of ballet, opera, masque and the pantomime. It is said
to have evolved from other performing arts like Kootiyattam, Krishnanattam and
Kalarippayattu. Kathakali explicates ideas and stories from the Indian epics
and Puranas.
Chavittunatakom
A Christian art form of Kerala. Evolved at the turn of the 16th Century AD during
the Portuguese colonization and bears definite traces of the European Christian
Miracle Play. In this musical drama, the actors wear Greco-Roman costumes and
even the stage props bear several foreign influences.
Oppana
A dance form essential to the wedding entertainment and festivities of the Malabar
Muslims. Maidens and young female relatives sing and dance around the bride,
clapping their hands. The songs of Mappilappattu, are first sung by the leader
and are repeated by the chorus.
Krishnanattom
A spectacle for both the scholar and the simple rustic. The visual effect is
enhanced by varied and colourful facial make-up with larger-than-life-masks,
made of light wood and cloth padding, for certain characters.
Mohiniyattom
The sinuous dance of the enchantress, this is a distinctive classical dance
form of Kerala. Slow, graceful, swaying movements of the body and limbs and
highly emotive eye and hand gestures are unique to this dance form. The simple,
elegant gold-filigreed dress, in pure white or ivory, is akin to the traditional
attire of the women of Kerala.
Kakkarissi natakom
Kakkarissi natakom is a satirical dance-drama based on the puranic legends of
Lord Siva and his consort Parvati when they assumed human forms as Kakkalan
and Kakkathi - a nomadic tribe of fortune tellers. The legend only serves as
a skeletal framework for the play, which often turns into a subtle critique
of contemporary society.
Thiruvathirakali
Thiruvathirakali is a dance performed by women, in order to attain everlasting
marital bliss, on Thiruvathira day in the Malayalam month of Dhanu (December-
January). The dance is a celebration of marital fidelity and the female energy,
for this is what brought Kamadeva (the god of love) back to life after he was
reduced to ashes by the ire of Lord Siva.
Kolkkali
A folk art mainly of the agrarian classes, Kolkkali is a highly rhythmic dhey
never miss a beat. In Malabar, Kolkkali is more popular among Muslim men.
Thullal
Thullal is a solo performance combining the dance and recitation of stories
in verse. Staged during temple festivals, the performer explicates the verses
through expressive gestures. The themes are based on mythology. This satiric
art form was introduced in the18th century by the renowned poet Kunchan Nambiar
.
Kootiyattom
Kootiyattam literally means "acting together". This is the earliest
classical dramatic art form of Kerala. Based on Sage Bharatha's 'Natyasasthra'
who lived in the second century, Kootiyattam evolved in the 9th century AD.
Kootiyattam is enacted inside the temple theatre, there are two or more characters
onstage at the same time, with the Chakkiars providing the male cast and the
Nangiars playing the female roles. The Nangiars beat the cymbals and recite
verses in Sanskrit, while in the background Nambiars play the Mizhavu, a large
copper drum.
Duffmuttu
Duffmuttu is also known as Aravanamuttu. It is a group performance popular among
the Muslims of Malabar. Duffmuttu is staged as a social event during festivals
and nuptial ceremonies. The artistes beat on a quaint round percussion instrument
called the Duffu, the leader of the group sings the lead, while the others form
the chorus and move in circles. The songs are often tributes to martyrs, heroes
and saints.
