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Koodiyattam
Context:
‘Cholliyattom,’ a collective of young Koodiyattam artists in Kerala, began modestly during the COVID-19 pandemic but has since grown into a platform where artists from different Koodiyattam traditions come together to preserve the art form and share knowledge about the diverse techniques practised by various schools in the state.
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- Recently, the collective held the second edition of Natya Yauvanam-2024, a Koodiyattam festival, at Ammannur Gurukulam in Irinjalakuda in collaboration with Dr. K.N. Pisharody Smaraka Kathakali Club.
- The Cholliyattom aims to unite younger artists trained in different styles, offering them practical experience with the various nuances of the art form. The initiative also strives to preserve the diverse Koodiyattam traditions and pass them onto future generations.
About Koodiyattam
- Koodiyattam is one of Kerala’s oldest traditional theatre forms, rooted in Sanskrit theatre traditions.
- The word “Koodiyattam” comes from the Malayalam terms “kuti,” meaning “combined” or “together,” and “attam,” meaning “acting,” thus translating to “combined acting.”
- The main performers in this art form include the Chakyaar, or actor, Naambiyaar, who are instrumentalists, and Naangyaar, who take on female roles.
- Koodiyattam is performed in several distinct styles, including the Kalamandalam (or Painkulam), Ammannur, and Mani Gurukulam traditions.
- In its highly stylised and codified theatrical language, two key elements are neta abhinaya (expressions through the eyes) and hasta abhinaya (gesture-based expression).
- One unique aspect of Koodiyattam is Pakarnattam, where the actor embodies and switches between male and female roles, often portraying multiple characters simultaneously.
- Mastering this technique is considered a significant challenge in the performance.
- Koodiyattam is traditionally performed in temple theatres called Kuttambalams, permanent structures attached to some major temples in Kerala.
- A distinctive feature of the art form is its focus on performing individual acts from Sanskrit plays as standalone productions, rather than staging the entire text.
- In 2001, Koodiyattam was recognised by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.