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Dances Kootiyattom
Kootiyattom
Kootiyattom is a solo performance combining the dance and recitation of stories
in verse. Staged during temple festivals, the performer explicates the verses
through expressive gestures. The themes are based on mythology.
This satiric art form was introduced in the18th century by the renowned poet
Kunchan Nambiar . Humour, satire and social criticism are the hallmarks of Kootiyattom.
The make up, though simple, is very much akin to that of Kathakali.
The Kootiyattom dancer is supported by a singer who repeats the verses and is accompanied
by an orchestra of mridangam or thoppi maddalam (percussions) and cymbals. There
are three related forms of Kootiyattom - OttanKootiyattom , SeethankanKootiyattom and ParayanKootiyattom
- of which the first is the most popular.
The three are distinguished by the costumes worn and the metre of the verses.
Kootiyattom is usually performed in the premises of temples during festivals and
provides for thought and entertainment to the thousands of people who gather
at these events.
Kootiyattom, Kerala Dances
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