Context:
A collective for young artists to learn nuances of different Koodiyattam styles.
Koodiyattam:
- One of the oldest traditional theatre forms of Kerala
- Based on – Sanskrit theatre traditions.
- The term “Koodiyattom” combines “koodi” (together) and “attam” (acting) in Malayalam, meaning “combined acting.”
- Key Characters –
- Chakyaar – The main actor.
- Nambiyaar – Instrumentalists.
- Nangyaar – Performers of women’s roles.
- Performance Elements –
- Netra Abhinaya – Eye expressions.
- Hasta Abhinaya – Gesture language.
- Pakarnattam – Technique of embodying and emoting both male and female roles, showcasing the actor’s versatility.
- Usually performed in Kuttambalams
- Permanent theatre structures attached to major temples in Kerala
- Significance – Recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2001.
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
How do you distinguish between Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam dances?
1. Dancers occasionally speaking dialogues are found in Kuchipudi dance but not in Bharatanatyam.
2. Dancing on the brass plate by keeping the feet on its edges is a feature of Bharatanatyam but Kuchipudi dance does not have such a form of movements.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2012 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a)
Explanation: Statement 2 is not correct. Dancing on the brass plate by keeping the feet on its edges is a feature of Kuchipudi.
