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.
Vidushaka or the wise man, a figure parallel
to the Fool in Shakespearean plays, enacts his role with
the liberty to criticise anyone without fear. The costume
of the jester sets him apart from the rest. The Kootiyattam
performance lasts for several days ranging from 6 to 20
days. Themes are based on mythology.
The Koodal Manickyam temple at
Irinjalakkuda and the Vadakkumnatha temple at Thrissur are
the main centres where Kootiyattam is still performed annually.
Ammannoor Madhava Chakkiar is an unrivalled maestro of this
rare art.
