The ancient Sanskrit theatrical art form of the state, Koodiyattamis Kerala’s distinctive stage interpretation of the very early Sanskrit drama as dance drama. Koodiyattam( Koodiyattam), which is around 2000 years old, has been accepted as one of the’ Masterpieces of Oral and Impalpable Heritage of Humanity’ by the UNESCO. It’s commonly performed only in temple theatres known as Koothambalam by members of the Chakyar and Nambyar classes till the first half of the 20th century. Only through rigorous training lasting many years one can aspire to master the craft of Koodiyattam.
The word Kutiyattam literally means” acting together”. There are four approaches or types of acting has been mentioned in Sage Bharata’s Natya Shastra – aangikam( expression using different parts of the body), vaachikam( expression through speech), sathvikam( expression of physical responses to feelings) and aahaaryam( expression through costume, ornaments and props) are all woven into Koodiyattam performances. A typical Koodiyattam performance involves elaborate and lengthy stage sequences using hand gestures and distinctive modes of acting like Ilakiyaattom, Pakarnnaatttom and Irunnaattom.
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