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Kochi, the Queen of the Arabian Sea, is not only a gateway for natural beauty in Kerala, but also an integral part of history, art, and culture. This coastal city had connected trade ties for centuries and gradually came under the influences of many cultures to emerge as a vibrant megapolis for art. It has many treasures, but among these two, stand out as the most significant-traditional art forms of Kathakali and Theyyam, both with their mesmerizing performances, vivid aesthetics, and deep-rooted historical significance.
The forms are not merely performances but live representations of the mythology, spirituality, and culture of Kerala. Let's delve into the captivating world of Kathakali and Theyyam, uncovering their origins, artistic elements, and enduring appeal.
Kathakali, one of the most iconic art forms of Kerala, is a classical dance-drama known for its elaborate costumes, intricate face painting, and expressive storytelling. Often described as a visual spectacle, Kathakali combines dance, music, and acting to narrate tales from Indian epics like the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas.
The 17th century saw the birth of Kathakali during the Zamorin reign in Kerala. It evolved from earlier art forms like Koodiyattam and Krishnanattam, incorporating elements of classical Sanskrit theater and local folk traditions. Kathakali was originally performed in the temple courtyard as a form of worship, but this evolved into its performance on secular stages, thus literalizing its nature as an local art form that is a cultural symbol of Kerala.
What makes Kathakali unique is that it is completely non-verbal and performs through moving Mudras and Navarasas in Body Movements, perfectly choreographed. This requires rigorous training, as artists must master the art of expressing complex emotions without uttering a word.
Pretty much nothing about Kathakali visualizes the extravagance of costumes and makeup. The wide skirts, heavy jewelry, and lifted headgear convey gorgeous designs—the specific type of makeup or Chutti too is as impressive. Each character's face is painted with certain colors according to the personality traits:
Real-time music accompanies the performance, while the singers tell stories in Malayalam as drummers beat on instruments like the Chenda and Maddalam. They have together created a synergy between the performers and the musicians through which one can experience almost exceptionally powerful and immersive experiences when it comes to the audience."
Kochi has become an exciting venue for Kathakali-a host of vibrant performances at cultural centers, heritage venues, and festivals. The Kerala Kathakali Centre and Greenix Village enable traveling tourists and art patrons to watch the very close performance of this art form by enjoying the pre-show deliberations in which audiences are educated about the significance of costumes, makeup, and gestures illuminating their appreciation of this art.
Theyyam is derived from Daivam which means "god" and has been practiced for over 800 years. This is very much unlike Kathakali which is temple-based and is worshiped mostly by Kerala tribal and agricultural population. This type of community beliefs, myths, and folklore hails entering into the old world of Kerala, predating Brahminical traditions.
Theyyam is that sort of sacred grove and shrine in which they are carried out. The theyyam ceremony is spiritual and combines performance with pure religion.
The actual performance involves transformation as much as the presence of the artist who is often a specific community trained in the particular tradition of that place. He has to prepare himself for this most intense process that involves fasting, meditation, elaborate makeup, and costume preparation.
The makeup here in Theyyam is a terrific fine art involving diabolical designs drawn with natural pigments on the face of the performer. Each Theyyam character has its own special identification, with bold patterns coupled with bright colors that indicate its role in the story. The costumes are equally dramatic, featuring towering headdresses, ornate jewelry, and layers of fabric that amplify the performer's presence.
Once dressed, the performer is believed to embody the deity they represent. The Theyyam performance begins with rituals and chants, followed by the dancer's energetic movements, which include leaps, spins, and dramatic gestures. The accompanying music played on instruments like the Chenda, Elathalam, and Kuzhal, heightens the intensity of the performance.
Theyyam, rather, is beyond an art form and could be termed spirituality, having a transcendental line between the performer and divinity. The artist is usually seen as a medium of the gods who bless, settle quarrels, and tell tales by which history has been preserved through local myths and folklore.
This art also has important social aspects. Theyyam performances revolve around justice, morality, and the suffering of the marginalized; these, to some, might see them as churches reminding the egalitarian origins of Kerala culture.
Though Theyyam is traditionally performed in the northern districts of Kerala, Kochi offers visitors a chance to witness its magic through curated performances. Cultural festivals and heritage programs in the city often feature Theyyam, providing a glimpse into this deeply spiritual art form without the need to travel to its rural origins.
Both Kathakali and Theyyam have faced challenges over the years, from the commercialization of performances to the dwindling number of trained artists. Yet, these art forms continue to thrive, thanks to the efforts of cultural organizations, artists, and enthusiasts.
In Kochi, the annual Kochi-Muziris Biennale has played a pivotal role in spotlighting traditional art forms alongside contemporary artistic expressions. By creating a dialogue between past and present, the Biennale has helped draw global attention to Kerala's rich cultural heritage.
Educational initiatives, such as workshops and training programs, are also helping the younger generation connect with these traditions, ensuring their continuity for years to come
Kathakali and Theyyam are not mere performances to be seen but to have felt. They reveal the soul of Kerala, a land where art and spirituality intertwine seamlessly. In this city of Kochi, where the past houses the present, these art forms honor their evolved space by history. The beauty of Kathakali, whether in its graceful, slow movements or the sheer primal energy of Theyyam, opens the world of myths, emotions, and divine storytelling. The next time a visitor finds himself in Kochi, let the art and culture take him on a journey of feeling beyond the ordinary into the divine.
