KOODIYATTAM
Koodiyattam is perhaps the oldest dance drama form. It literally means dancing together. Based on the Sanskrit text, a performance of this art form may last from a few days to a few weeks. The survival of this Sanskrit theatre against all odds owes to the Chaliyar community. Deprived of the right for the Vedas, they are a caste intermediate between Brahmins and Nairs. Their principal vocation has been natya (the theatrical art). Koodiyattam can claim an antiquity of 2000 years. Some references to this art form can be seen in the treatises of the second century Chilapathikaram. Among the various classical theatre forms, Koodiyattam is the only one staged strictly in accordance with the tenets of 'Natyasastra'. It is Kathakali's predecessor. And its makeup patterns and costumes are believed to be the forerunners of the Kathakali costume. It is traditionally enacted in the temples as a votive offering. Usually excerpts of plays like Subhadra Dhananjayam, Abhishekanatakam, Balacharitam, Ascharya Choodamani etc are staged nowadays. Enacting each of the 14 verses of Subhadra Dhananjayam itself lasts three to four hours. The play is presented in Koothambalams (temple theatre).
The koothambalam is elaborately decorated with plantain trees, bunches of tender coconut and fronds of coconut leaves; the stage, however, is simple. The construction of a Koothambalam is based on Natyasastra, known as the fifth Veda. These theatre halls surpass their modern counterparts in architectural excellence in respect of illumination and accoustics. There are at present 14 such theatre halls in Kerala. The traditional rhythm accompaniment is the mizhavu. The ecstatic drumming on this primordial percussion instrument helps the Chakkyar to delineate the myriad moods. The Chakkyar performs the role of the male characters. Female characters are portrayed by Nangiars are the women folk of the community.
They also assist the Chakyars in background singing and in keeping the rhythm with kuzhithalam (small cymbals). The costumes in Koodiyattom vary according to the characters. Today, performing artistes among the Chakyars have been reduced to an endangered species. Ammaur Chachu Chakyar, Paimkulam Rama Chakyar and Padmasree Mani Madhava Chakyar are great exponents of this ancient theatrical art form. Chachu Chakyar Smaraka Gurukulam at Irinjalakuda is imparting training on this art form. Koodiyattom is performed only at a few temples of Kerala such as Irinjalakuda and Kottiyur.
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