Performing Arts of Kerala

Art forms of a country reflect the life of its people. They embody their emotions and experience and are therefore the best expressions of their mind and culture. The performing arts of Kerala illustrate this truth in a remarkable manner. The cultural ethos of the people of Kerala finds its finest expression in their performing arts. Vivid and eloquent in its characteristics mudras (hand signs), natural and impressive in gesture, graceful and rhythmic in movement, pleasing in choreography and above all delightful in wealth of imagery, Kathakali ranks high among the Indian dance forms. Kathakali is a very sophisticated indigenous dance drama, which can claim a tradition of more than 1500 years. Yet another earliest theoretical art forms of Kerala are Koothu and Koodiyattom whose cast had included actresses, centuries before they were introduced in European theatre. Other distinctive performing art forms of Kerala are Mohiniyattom, Ottam Thullal, Parayan Thullal and Seethankan Thullal, Thiruvathira. There are ancient folk rituals, which embody the collective aspirations of the community in colourful performances. Theyyam, Thiyyattam, Mudiyettu and Padayani are a few of the cult-oriented dance forms.