Understanding Koodiyattam

Koodiyattam is very ancient theatre style. Actors speak in Sanskrit using extensive facial expression and body language. It involves multiple performers, the number being dependent on the story. Variety in make-up and costume, use of curtain for characters-entry, use of burning torches, the voice modulations of the actors to depict different emotions the resonating sound of the accompanying instruments – all this put together makes Koddiyattam a colourful and engrossing experience.

Nangiar Koothu is a solo style performed exclusively by women. It is a graceful style with extensive use of face and hands.

Humour and spontaneity – these are the key aspects of Chakyar Koothu. This is essentially a story telling technique of traditional tales from Mahabharata, Ramayana etc, with very expressive body language.

This book discusses Koddiyattam in detail and also the two other forms, nangiar Koothu and Chakyar Koothu which are closely related to Koodiyattam.