ART PERFORMANCE

KURATHIYATTOM : Kurathi are a set of gypsies who go about from place to place telling fortunes. In this dance called Kurathiyattom, two Kurathis first enter dancing, in the guise of characters representing the wives of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Then they stage a controversy through songs over the exploits of their respective husbands. The favourable point in one's favour becomes the but of ridicule at the other's hands and while one praises profusely the other condemns sarcastically. This is interpreted with fluent mime and brought out in picturesque postures. The gestures, bodily flexions and foot- work, show perfect co-ordination and rhythmic grace. After this Kuravan (male) and Kurathi enters and enact a mock quarrel. Though lacking in dramatic element, the technique is skillfully exploited and the exposition of different moods-suspected chastity, injured innocence, disappointment and the joy of reconciliation - are of a high artistic level. Maddalam , Kaimani etc., are the instruments used.

THUMPI THULLAL  : This is a dance in which only women participate. It is usually performed in connection with the Onam festival. All the girls are dressed in immaculate Onakkodi dress and sit round in a circle. At the centre of the circle sits the performer. Now all the girls sing in chorus to the rhythmic clapping of hands and occasional vociferations know as Kuravai. The rhythm and the pitch of the clapping and the songs rise to feverish when the girl in the centre enters into a trance and begins to dance.

KUMMI : This is women's dance prevalent in Kerala. The dancers move in a circle and the hand gestures signify reaping and harvesting. One of the women leads the singing with a favourite song while the rest take up the refrain. Each performer renders a new line in turn and the dancing stops when all get tired. In local variations of the Kummi dance men also participate. Here the men with small sticks in their hands form a circle, inside which stand the women in a smaller ring. The beating of the sticks by men and the clapping of the hands by women are perfectly synchronised with the steps that they make and also with the rhythm of the songs.

KADUVA KALI : This dance, also known as Pulikali, is performed during the Moharram season. Dancers realistically made up as tigers with appropriate costumes go about from house to house, dancing vigorously to the loud beating of instruments like Udukku, Thakil, etc.

KANNIYAR KALI : One of the centuries old, but well-known folk dance of Kerala. Kanniya Kali (also known as Desathukali) is a fast moving, militant dance from attuned to rhythmic devotional folk songs and asuravadyas. It is said to be a ritual offering in honour of the deity Bhagavathy. The dances last for four days and are preceded by three days of Karivela and Vattakali. The programme for each day is known by different name; the first day's kanniyarkali being called Erawakkali and the next three day's items being known as Aandikootu, Vallon and Malama respectively. There are more than forty "steps" or puratts for the four-day programme and these are unique and impressive. Though performed by Nairs, Kanniyarkali depicts the life of the Malayans, one-time slaves and dependents of the feudal chieftains and jenmies of the Malabar area in Kerala. The accompanying folk songs also throw some light on the ancient feudal relationship. Musical instruments like chenda, maddalam, elathalam and chengala are used to time the rhythm. The costumes are very colourful.

THAPPUMELAKKALI : This is a group dance of the Parayas of Malappuram district in which the dancers strike rhythm on a small drum (thappu). A vigorous powerful dance it gradually rises to a crescendo of rhythmic fervour with the dancers swirling round their feet in steps, and hands striking perfect time.

PARAYANTHIRA : This is a ritual dance performed before Bhagavathy temple in connection with festivals. The concept is that the devil-aide of goddess Bhadrakali performs this dance after the death of Darika. The costumes of the Thira are colourful and captivating. The large headgears, projecting eyes, high-ridged noses, protruding tongues, flowing black hair behind the pleated skirts and overcoats all make the dancers completely supernatural. For each dancer there is a girdle of bells. Anklets are also tied to the legs. A variety of dances are executed to the rhythm set by different folk drums. The dance is usually performed by Parayas.

CHERUMAR KALI : This is a mixed dance of the Cherumar community ( mainly agricultural labourers) of the Malabar area of Kerala in which both men and women participate. They hold dancing arms together, or shoulder to shoulder, linked in a back-lock. The dance develops into a variety of pleasing pattern, in which the men and women change their positions with amazing rapidly. The entire group of dancers sing songs and move dexterously in swift rhythm of the feet in fascinating wave-like movement. The costumes of the dancers are peculiar with conical caps called palathopi, dhoti and red sash. Sandal paste is smeared all over the body and face and garlands of red chethi flowers are worn. The dancers have anklets tied to the legs and dance to the timing and rhythm set by percussion instruments like veekkan chenda, karu, maram, etc. The dance is performed by usually after harvest and in connection with marriage and festivals.

PAKKANAR ATTOM : This art form is performed to drive out evil spirits from hons. It is believed that Pakkanar and his wife visit the hayses. They dance in tiyn with the beat of different drums. Usually this art form is performed during Onam festival.

KUTHIYOTTAM : This is in vogue in Thiruvananthapuram District, performed mostly in Devi temples. A performer, wearing a crown, similar to the used by the 'Ottanthulal' artiste, and three other characters, with three different facial make-ups, dance rhythmically to the background of percussion instruments. The songs are in praise of Durga, 'Padapattu', and 'Kalaripattu' and songs in praise of deities. It is usual to have partitioners of red silk at the performing arena.

PARUNTHATTAM : Victory of the good over the evil is the concept behind the theme. The theme of the dance revolves around great heroes of ancient times. The art form is popular in the Central Travancore.

THIRAYATTOM : Thirayattom is performed as part of festive celebrations in Kavus in Central Malabar. The word thira means lustre and the Thirayattom dance is said to cast radiance by vertue of his gorgeous array, made all the more dazzling by the blaze of torches, made of clusters of dried coconut fronds. The performers, through appropriate costumes, assume the roles of the divinities they hold in veneration. Thirayattom is the hereditary profession of Vannan community.

OPPANA : Oppana is an exquistic folk dance art form performed traditionally among the muslim community in Kerala. The song and dance programme is performed by females to entertain the bride and by males to entertain the bridegroom. Harmonium, tabla and ganjra are the musical instruments used. The songs are based on mappila pattu .

MARGAM KALI : Margam kali is an art form popular among the Syrian Christian community of the erstwhile Travancore. This consists of group dances and martial arts like parichamuttu kali. The theme of the songs revolves round the life of St.Thomas.

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