Koodiyattom

About Koodiyattom:

• It is one of the oldest traditional theatre forms of Kerala and is based on Sanskrit theatre traditions.
• The prefix “kuti” in Malayalam language primarily means “combined” or “together”, and “attam” means “acting”: therefore, the word “kutiyattam or Koodiyattam” means “combined acting.”
• The characters of this theatre form are: Chakyaar or actor, Naambiyaar, the instrumentalists and Naangyaar, those taking on women’s roles.
• In its stylized and codified theatrical language, neta abhinaya (eye expression) and hasta abhinaya (the language of gestures) are prominent.
• Pakarnattam is an aspect of Kutiyattam that involves embodying and emoting male and female roles. Switching between the masculine and feminine and interpreting multiple roles at the same time is considered a challenging skill within the repertoire. 
• Temple theatres called Kuttambalams are permanent theatre structures attached to some of the major temples of Kerala.
• A striking feature of Kutiyattam is that it treats single Acts from Sanskrit plays as full-fledged plays. It bases its performance not on the full text of a Sanskrit play, but on the individual acts from Sanskrit plays.
• It was recognized as a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2001. 

Q1: What is UNESCO?

UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. It contributes to peace and security by promoting international cooperation in education, sciences, culture, communication and information. UNESCO promotes knowledge sharing and the free flow of ideas to accelerate mutual understanding and a more perfect knowledge of each other’s lives.

Source: A collective for young artistes to learn nuances of different Koodiyattom styles

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