PERFORMING ARTS
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
In a society where every act is codified and every color symbolic. it needs a lifetime to understand the intricacies and the layers of meaning and sophistication that make up the culture of region. Kerala’s many art and ritual forms are introduced by eminent scholars. Stunning color visuals. Many of rites never seen outside the temple
Kathakali
Perhaps the only style of performance by which Kerala is known the world over is the great dance – drama tradition of Kathakali.
Kathakali, literally story play, evolved in the late 16th century and owed it’s birth to many other ritual and performing styles.
Kerala’s spectacular Kathakali is acclaimed as the ‘complete art form’ since it combines dance, drama, music, poetry and painting.
Tholpavakoothu
Among the ancient art forms of Kerala, Tholpavakoothu holds a position of importance. It is a play using leather puppets.
Thol – leather : pava – puppet :koothu – play, and is performed in devi temples. As part of ritual worship it concerns itself with only one theme – Ramayana.
The puppets are flat and made malleable deer skin, and their shadows are made to fall on a white cloth stretched taut in the Koothumandapam [specially built stage].
Mudiyettu
Considered to be the oldest ritual dance drama of Kerala. Depicts the eternal theme of Good versus Evil. Based on the puranic story of – “Dharikavadham” the killing of demon Dharika. It is performed in Kavus, Temples dedicated to the Goddess Bhagavathi.
Theyyam
The ritual dance called theyyam is splendid. In fact theyyam is more than a mere dance; it is a cult inseparable from the hindu practices.
As a performing art, Theyyam offers an unusual experience. The painting of the face, the gorgeous attire and accoutrement, the imposing head-dress, all speak of a developed artistic sensibility. There are different ways of painting. The face and costumes vary with each diety.Over the centuries practically nothing has changed.
Other ritual and performing arts.
Padayani, Thirayattam, Koothu, Mohiniyattam, Thullal, Bhagavathipattu, Kummatti, Thiruvathirakali, etc..etc..
Kathakali
Perhaps the only style of performance by which Kerala is known the world over is the great dance – drama tradition of Kathakali.
Kathakali, literally story play, evolved in the late 16th century and owed it’s birth to many other ritual and performing styles.
Kerala’s spectacular Kathakali is acclaimed as the ‘complete art form’ since it combines dance, drama, music, poetry and painting.
Tholpavakoothu
Among the ancient art forms of Kerala, Tholpavakoothu holds a position of importance. It is a play using leather puppets.
Thol – leather : pava – puppet :koothu – play, and is performed in devi temples. As part of ritual worship it concerns itself with only one theme – Ramayana.
The puppets are flat and made malleable deer skin, and their shadows are made to fall on a white cloth stretched taut in the Koothumandapam [specially built stage].
Mudiyettu
Considered to be the oldest ritual dance drama of Kerala. Depicts the eternal theme of Good versus Evil. Based on the puranic story of – “Dharikavadham” the killing of demon Dharika. It is performed in Kavus, Temples dedicated to the Goddess Bhagavathi.
Theyyam
The ritual dance called theyyam is splendid. In fact theyyam is more than a mere dance; it is a cult inseparable from the hindu practices.
As a performing art, Theyyam offers an unusual experience. The painting of the face, the gorgeous attire and accoutrement, the imposing head-dress, all speak of a developed artistic sensibility. There are different ways of painting. The face and costumes vary with each diety.Over the centuries practically nothing has changed.
Other ritual and performing arts.
Padayani, Thirayattam, Koothu, Mohiniyattam, Thullal, Bhagavathipattu, Kummatti, Thiruvathirakali, etc..etc..
copyrights © 2008 www.keralatravelmaster.com | Designed and hosting by Spectrum Softtech Solutions, Best view in IE7, Resolution 1024 X 768 pixels