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akshara
03 March 2011, 04:48 AM
Mudiyettu , the ritualistic folk theatre of Kerala has been recently listed in the Representative list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO. Performed for the purification of community, it is an offering to ward off pestilences. Epigraphists say the art form predates Kathakali.

It is annually preformed in an open space in the precincts of a Kali temple , after the harvest of summer crops in Kerala. The art that depicts the victory of good over evil is an elaborate enactment of the battle between Goddess Bhadrakali and Darika, the demon who threatens to conquer the universe. A total of 16 persons are required for a complete performance.

Apart from the mix of Tamil and Malayalam dialogue for the characters , it involves pictorial drawing of Kali – ‘Kalamezhuthu’- , masks made of areca nut fronds, musical accompaniment primarily on chenda and cymbal , and the vocal accompaniment in the ‘Sopana Sangeetham ‘ style.

The drama part begins with the discourse between Lord Siva and Narada followed by the entry of Darika ; Kali; the Sanskrit narrator ‘Suthradhar’ ; and Kooli who provides comic relief. The drama ends with Kali vanquishing the wretched demon and showering her blessings on the people. The entire ritual form comes to a close with the singing of ‘Sivasthuthi’.

At one stage the onlookers are transformed into Kali’s ‘bhootha ganams’ when she sets out for battle; and are transformed to his hapless subjects when Darika sets on a rage.

· More on the 'Chhau dance' of Eastern India and the ‘Kalbelia folk songs and dances’ of Rajastan that too were listed, are invited from my fellow seekers .

Believer
06 March 2011, 11:27 AM
Thanks for your unique post!