Koodiyattam is normally played inside the kootambalam of temples and there will be two or more characters always on the stage. The male casts are played by the Chakkiars and the female roles are played by the Nangiars. Vidushaka or the jester plays an important role in the play with a liberty to criticize anyone in the audience.
Art
Koodiyattam
History of Koodiyattam
Koodiyattam is an ancient classical dramatic art form which evolved during the 9th century AD. It is based on sage Bharatha’s Natyasastra and literally means acting together. The play is done as per the themes of the mythology and the words are reciting in Sanskrit. The play last for several days ranging from 6 to 20 days in a row.
How to perform
The Nangiars recite the Sanskrit versus and plays the cymbals and in the background Nambiars plays a large copper drum called as Mizhavu. Koodiyattam has gained popularity among the theatre people and scholars from all over the world and UNESCO has recognized Koodiyattam from select art forms across the world as Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
Famous artists from kerala
- Painkulam Rama Chakyar.
- Ammannoor Madhava Chakkiar maestro of this rare art form.
