Chakyarkoothu

Chakyarkoothu is one of the oldest classical theatre arts of Kerala and is one of the most eminent traditional art. It is associated with temples of Kerala. This is a solo dance. Chakyar community is specialised in this dance form and it presented in Koothambalams which is temple theatres to the accompaniment of mizhavu which is a drum in the shape of a large spherical copper pot and elathalam similar to small cymbals. The Chakyar is considered as a satirist using narrative, mime, wit and innuendo to communicate with the audience. The communication often results in cracking jokes, some times at the cost of audience. The performances are from epics. The performance is based on stories from the epics and begins with an invocation to the presiding deity of the temple. In this dance form, the story is recited in a quasi-dramatic style with emphasis on eloquent declarations with appropriately suggestive facial expressions and hand gestures. Chakyarkoothu is also performed as part of Koodiyattam. Chakyarkoothu was performed only in Koothambalams of Hindu temples. Natyacharya Vidushakaratnam Padma Shri Guru Mani Madhava Chakyar a visionary and virtuoso of this art took Koothu and Koodiyattam outside the temples to the common people. He is considered as the greatest Chakyarkoothu and Koodiyattam artist of modern times.

Related Topics
Classical Art Forms  
Koodiyattom  
Kathakali  
Krishnanattam  
Mohiniyattam  
Thullal  
Thiruvathirakali  
Oppana  
Kolkkali  
Duffmuttu  
Chavittunatakam  
Kakarissi Natakam