Koodiyattam
Koodiyattam According to the tradition of Kerala, King Kulasekara Varman (900 AD) along with his Brahmin minister Tolan introduced this dance. He introduced the use of Malayalam language from Kerala on the stage where only Sanskrit from North India was used. It uses the four classical stages (ashrams) of Hindu life. Koodiyattam offers limitless possibilities of aesthetic pleasure.
In this a dance-drama can last for eight to nine days which is practiced for months. In its plays, wit, humor and satire are presented in front of the audience with humor in brilliant Malayalam.
The role of women is played by Nayangar women. The Nambiars play a large copper drum called the Mizhava, usually performedin theaters attached to a temple called 'Koothapalam'. Four modes of acting are used in Koodiyattam. 'Angik', 'Vachik', 'Satvik' and 'Aharya'. Koodiyattam is characterized by vivid performances using hand gestures. In this special acting practices like Ilkiyattam, Pakarnattam, Irunnattam etc. are also adopted. It is entertaining as well as didactic. In this sermon The role of thegiver of the clown is prominent, which points towards the social evils.It is known as Chakyar and Nambiar community. Present.Ammanour, Kitannur and Pankulam are famous Chakyar families. Ram Chakiyar, Chachu Chakiyar and Mani Madhav Chakiyar were great artistsof the past.
