shot-button
Subscription Subscription
Home > Lifestyle News > Health And Fitness News > Article > Where art meets theatre

Where art meets theatre

Updated on: 09 August,2011 11:40 AM IST  | 
Surekha S |

Kutiyattam: The Heritage Theatre of India by Sudha Gopala-krishnan throws light on an ancient theatre form from Kerala that supposedly dates back to nearly two millennia

Where art meets theatre

Kutiyattam: The Heritage Theatre of India by Sudha Gopala-krishnan throws light on an ancient theatre form from Kerala that supposedly dates back to nearly two millennia


Dressed in traditional costumes and jewellery, with his face painted in different hues, an actor moves swiftly from the role of Ravana to Sita and to Rama. The actor mouths dialogues in Sanskrit, but conveys the narrative through facial, expressions, gestures and movements. This theatre form, Kutiyattam is the only surviving Sanskrit theatre form in India and is the most ancient classical art form of the county. Kutiyattam: The Heritage Theatre of India by Sudha Gopalakrishnan gives readers an understanding of this traditional art form, which is believed to date back to about two millennia.


Ravana's grand entry in the play Asokavanikankam

The Kutiyattam code
Kutiyattam is based on the plays of renowned Sanskrit playwrights of the country and a single play can last for about eight to twelve days. "The specialty of Kutiyattam is that on most occasions, a single actor takes on different characters and performs each one convincingly. An actor who has been playing Ravana, gets into the role of Sita and he is more graceful and feminine than any female. It demonstrates the power of an actor. The second most important aspect is the facial expressions and the Netra Abhinaya (eye expressions). These are more sophisticated in Kutiyattam than in any other art form," says Gopalakrishnan.

With brilliant photographs of the performing actors and the translation of the performance manual of 'Asokavanikam', an act from a play titled Ascharya-chudamani, in the form of an illustrated example; Gopalakrishnan hopes to introduce this ancient art form to a larger audience. Kutiyattam was initially restricted to the temple and according to Gopalakrishnan, the 18th and 19th century was not great for Kutiyattam. But after the intervention of the Kerala Kalamandalam and the formation of an institute called Margi, the art form was revived and popularised to a large extent. "If people understand the grammar of the art form, they can understand and appreciate its beauty. I took the art form to Paris, were the audience loved it," adds Gopalakrishnan.


Kutiyattam: The Heritage Theatre of India by Sudha Gopalakrishnan, published by Niyogi Books; Rs 2,495.
Available at all leading book stores.


"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!


Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK