Kerala is the land of classical, ritual and folk arts. Some are the oldest classical arts of Kerala. The rich cultural heritage of Kerala can be seen best in the songs and dances of its people performed through classical and folk arts. Kerala has its own unique art forms which reflect the life and outlook of the people. The performing art forms in Kerala are unique, vibrant, evocative and expressive. Details of some of the most popular art form are summorised below :-
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Kathakali
One of the most popular performing art forms in Kerala is 'Kathakali'. It is an appealing art form which combines music, dance and drama. The Kathakali dancers bring to life the gods and demons, heroic kings and beautiful princesses of the ancient Indian epics. The Kathakali dancer donnes colourful face paint and elaborate costumes. In Kathakali the dancers do not speak or sing. Instead they use an expressive language of the hand gestures called mudras to mime the dialogue. Songs are sung by the musician standing behind the actors. Kathakali is traditionally performed in the courtyard of Kerala temples. Performances begins at dusk and end at early hours of the dawn.
Mohiniyattom
It is one of the seven classical dances of India. Mohiniyattom today is a popular art of women. It is studied and performed throughout Kerala, a style that combines both spiritual and sensual elements.
Koothu
Chakyarkoothu is one of the oldest classical arts of Kerala. This is a fine blend of social satire, music and comedy. This is usually presented in the traditional temple theatre Koothambalam.
Koodiyattam
It has been recognised by UNESCO as a Human Heritage Art. "Koodiyattom" literally means 'acting together'. It is at least 2000 years old. This is the oldest existing classical theatre form in the entire world. Male roles are performed by Chakyar and female roles are Nangyar.
Thullal
Thullal is a very popular art form among Malayalees. This is a solo performance combining the dance and recitation of stories in verse. The themes are based on Indian mythology. The songs are written in simple Malayalam. They are full of art and humour. They have direct appeal to everyday life. Humour, satire and social criticism are the hallmarks of Thullal.
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Theyyam
It is a ritual dance with outlandish in makeup and costume. This is performed with lively footwork, gymnastic fervour and ritualistic vitality. Theyyam represents a glorious period of folk life in Kerala and the souls of the dead heroes of the land and the gods and goddesses are supposed to come in among us through the medium of the possessed dancers. They converse with us on matters of even contemporary significance. It is the worship of spirits by invoking them to the mortal body of the dancer who impersonates them and offers blessings to the believers. More than 400 theyyam are performed in Kerala. Some of the most spectacular are Rektha Chamundi, Kari Chamundi, Wayanad Kulaveni, Gulikan and so on. This is a popular ritual dance in North Malabar. This centuries old ritual performance is a unique combination of dance, music and religious worship. Theyyam are best enjoyed in the pitch darkness of the night. The flaming torches and the pall of smoke carrying the whiff of the burning coconut oil will make it a memorable experience.
Patakam and Harikatha are also popular temple arts of Kerala. The former is a simpler form of Kuthu in which a single actor expounds Puranic stories. Harikatha closely resembles Patakam but it has more musical overtones and hence is more popular. The Kathaprasangam of recent days is a modified form of Harikatha which has accepted secular and social themes for its performance.
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