Saturday, February 2, 2008
Koodiyattam - Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity
 Considered to be oldest surviving form of Sanskrit theatre in the world, Koodiyattam is a blend of Sanskrit drama, theatrical, religious and other unique traditions of Kerala, India. Koodiyattam has been recognised by UNESCO as a Human Heritage Art. It is considered to be at least two thousand years old. It is the only art form, which has survived for the past 2000 years in the world. After getting recognition from UNESCO, the contemporary theatre has now accepted the potential of Koodiyattam and absorbing the techniques in its own form. According to UNESCO , intangible heritage might be defined as embracing all forms of traditional and popular or folk culture, i.e., collective works originating in a given community and based on tradition.  Traditionally, Koothu and Koodiyattam are the privilege of the templecastes Chakyars and Nambiars. Chakyars enact the male-characters and the Nangiars (the women of the Nambiars) enact the female-characters. Unlike in Kathakali, women traditionally perform the female characters in Koodiyattam. The Nambiars play Mizhavu, the major percussion-instrument in Koodiyattam. Kulasekhara Varma Cheraman Perumal, an ancient King of Kerala was known as the creator of Koodiyattam in the present form. His book "Aattaprakaram" describes various aspects about how to perform Koodiyattam. Till date this is considered the most authoritative work on the art form. Acting in Koodiyattam is based on a highly evolved mime language. Stylized facial and eye expressions, a language of mudras, a unique style of chanting together with elaborate dresses and the symbolic use of color through the makeup constitute the drama. The "grammar" of performance is entirely based on the stipulations of "Natyashasthram" by Bharatha Muni, the most authoritative book on the science of acting. The plays of Kulasekhara, Sakthibhadra, Bhasa Kalidasa and Bodhayana are performed act by act in Koodiyattam. Since Koodiyattam performances were proffered as offerings to the deity, they were enacted only in temples. Many temples have beautiful pavilions within their precincts which are known as Koothambalam with high sloping roofs covered with metal sheetings. A Koodiyattam performance is a long drawn-out affair, taking place at night and lasting for days. Politics, philosophy and social behaviour are covered in the comments. The pivotal role in these performances belong to the jester as he is the only one who speaks and the language is Malayalam. He translates the Sanskrit version with a touch of humour and also acts as a bridge between the actor and the audience. For the past few decades the popularity of this art has been declining but after the UNESCO's recognition, the art, which used to be a ritual theatre has now become a world theatre with more non-traditional audience seeking it out. Additional information To read a detailed article about Koodiyattam please click here Courtesy: Sudha Gopalakrishna To view a sample video of Koodiyattam please click here Courtesy: www.amritapuri.org To view contact details of Koodiyattam artists please click here Courtesy: www.artindia.net Photo courtesy: Benoy.K.B. Labels: Intangible Heritage of Humanity, Koodiyattam, UNESCO |
