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MOHINIYATTAM
Mohiniyattom - Dance of the Celestial
Temptress
It depicts emotions in ways which are universally understood. Mohiniyattom falls within
the soft, graceful traditions of lasya - the expression of the cosmic feminine
creativity.It is known for its graceful and sensuous movements.
Historically, Mohiniyattom had been restricted to the temple premises. In the beginning of
the 20th century, the dance was neglected and degenerated to the point of extinction.
Later Mohiniyattom was given a new lease of life by Swathi Thirunal Maharaja and it
enjoyed royal patronage during his time. Mohiniyattom is performed by women wearing
gold-bordered off-white saris and gold jewellery, their hair in a chignon high on one side
of the head and encircled with white jasmine flowers.
A rich and flourishing tradition of dance drama can be
witnessed in the picturesque state of Kerala, a narrow strip of bountiful land running
along the west coast of India. Here, in the night, the drums roll, beckoning an audience
to a most magnificent spectacle. Kathakali, a well-developed dance-drama, is an all-male
performance where the actors depict characters from
the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata and from the Puranas (ancient scriptures). The dancers
adorn themselves in huge skirts and headdress, wearing a most intricate style of make-up.
Kathakali draws heavily from drama and is danced with elaborate masks
and costumes. Kathakali recitals are generally long and while other dance forms are more
emotive than narrative, Kathakali is both. It combines dance with dialogue to bring myth
and legend to life in the temple courtyards of Kerala. The dancers use their stunning
costumes and make-up, with the accompaniment of drums and vocalists, to create various
moods and emotions. So strong is the identification of the dancers with the characters
they play and so absolute their conviction, that they seem to surpass themselves, becoming
one with the
legendary heroes and heroines they depict.\
Theyyam
A dance form glorifying the goddess.
Theyyam, the local deity, is believed to bless and arbitrate between the farmers and their
landlords. Each one has a distinguishing headgear and costume made out of natural
materials like leaves and bark. Facial decorations are intricately designed and rich in
symbolism, transforming the lowly farmer into a deity. Theyyam is always performed by men,
they also enact female roles wearing makeup and colourful costumes.
Chakyar
Koothu
'Koothu' is a mono-act in which a single actor, the 'Chakyar', acts the role of all the
characters, to the accompaniments of the 'Mizhavu' played by the Nambiar and the cymbals
by the Nangiar. The Chakyar expounds puranic stories drawing parallels from contemporary
life in order to emphasize a point or relate a moral from the story he narrates.
 Koodiyattam
It is Kathakali's 2000 years old predecessor. Koodiyattam is performed as a votive
offering to the deity. A dance traditionally enacted in the temples. The purpose of the
performance is not so much to entertain as to edify and educate the audience. Koodiyattam
is a theatrical presentation in which both the Chakiar and Nangiar act together
Chavittu
Nadakam
The most sensual blend of cultural influences can be seen in this Christian dance-dra ma. It has
an interesting history behind it. When the Portuguese came to Kerala, they wanted to
create a vehicle to spread the myths and legends they held in reverence. They were
impressed with the gripping power of Kathakali but they obviously felt that is would be
unwise to graft their legends on to the Kathakali dance drama. The solution was to create
a distinctive dance drama of their own. Collaborating with the Malayalee scholars they
produced librettos which extorted the heroic exploits of legendary Christian warriors. In
Chavittu Nadakam there are large number of characters all in glittering medieval dress.
They sing their lines loudly and with exaggerated gestures and they stamp their feet with
great force on the wooden stage. Chavittu Nadakam literally means 'Stamping Drama'.
Ottan Thullal
The art of stinging satire
Ottan thullal is a solo dance-drama created 400 years ago by Kalakath Kunjan Nambiar. The
basic element of Ottan Thullal is satire, through which Nambiar set about correcting the
evils that prevailed in the society. Ottan Thullal is combined with the humorous elements
of Koothu and an element of Kathakali. Ottan Thullal is performed by a single actor who
wears colourful costumes. In Ottan Thullal, the symbols and gestures are same as those of
Kathakali. The actor plays many parts, and the acting is accompanied by his own singing.
The popularity of Ottan Thullal as a dance form has continued undiminished to this day.
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