Kutiyattam
Kutiyattam is an art form which has won worldwide acclaim due to its unique style of performance. This art form is the only extant relic of ancient Indian theatre now. This Sanskrit theatrical art form can arguably claim the greatest antiquity in terms of international theatrical history. In the year 2001, UNESCO proclaimed Kutiyattam as one of the ‘Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.’
Continuation of this ancient theatre is not the same as it was 2000 years ago. Merged with the indigenous practices of Kerala theatre, Kutiyattam today is an amalgam of different streams of performing arts.
Segments of Sanskrit plays written by renowned playwrights like Bhasa, Kalidasa and Saktibhadra are adopted for Kutiyattam performance. But on stage, these short acts get a full-fledged identity. This art form is performed strictly indoors and a separate theatre called Koothambalam is used for the performance, which is often found in temple premises.
This page shows videos of Kutiyattam and other related performing arts of Kerala theatre like Nangiarkoothu – the female counterpart of Kutiyattam, which is a solo female enactment. You can also watch videos of Chakyarkoothu – one of the oldest classical art forms of Kerala.