Koodiyattam
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History: Kerala
UNESCO recognition for Koodiyattam, May 19, 2001: The Hindu
Dating back to 2,000 years, `Koodiyattam' is a unique theatre tradition which survived in Kerala from an ancient past. It deals with the plays of eminent Sanskrit dramatists such as Bhasa, Harsha, Kalidasa, Maendravikrama and Saktibhadra. While following the performative principles of the larger Indian aesthetic tradition, `Koodiyattam' has its own distinctive characteristics that are firmly rooted in the culture of Kerala.
2001: UNESCO recognition
UNESCO recognition for Koodiyattam, May 19, 2001: The Hindu
By Our Special Correspondent
`Koodiyattam', the Sanskrit theatre tradition of Kerala, has been declared as among the ``Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. It is for the first time that UNESCO has selected art forms from across the world to bestow recognition as part of its effort to safeguard expressions of oral heritage and traditional culture.
`Koodiyattam' was selected from among 32 entries from all over the world.
UNESCO has until now considered only built heritage, such as monuments, sites and landscapes of exceptional value as world heritage.
It has introduced the stream of oral heritage and traditional culture this year.
Artists
Narayanan Nambiar
K.A. Shaji , At 90, this maestro is still going strong, May 18, 2017: The Hindu
Narayanan Nambiar is the only ‘mizhavu’ artiste to be honoured with Padma Shri
Mizhavu expert and Padma Shri awardee P.K. Narayanan Nambiar turned 90 in 2017. Retirement is nowhere in the picture for the great artiste, who is the eldest son of ‘koodiyattam’ thespian Padma Shri Mani Madhava Chakyar.
“My wish is to remain active in the field as long as my health permits. I have seen generations but feel rejuvenated whenever there is an opportunity to provide accompaniment to koodiyattam,” said the maestro during a brief interaction with The Hindu.
Lyrical style
Mr. Narayanan Nambiar redefined the role and methodology of ‘mizhavu’ from being a mere accompaniment to the Sanskrit drama form of ‘koodiyattam’ by providing a unique rhythm to the actors on stage, apart from perfecting a highly lyrical style.
Mr. Narayanan Nambiar is the only ‘mizhavu’ maestro to be honoured with a Padma Shri. His most striking contribution has been ‘mizhavil tayambaka’, a captivating percussion ensemble of ‘mizhavus’. All mizhavu artists of today have been disciples of this guru. He contributed immensely to revitalising ‘koodiyattam’ that has over 2,000 years of history. He enriched its literature by authoring several books and articles, including more than 30 seminar papers. He also traced out 25 hitherto-unknown manuscripts in Sanskrit. His disciples are celebrating the Navathy — 90th birthday — at a three-day event from May 21 at the Mani Madhava Chakyar memorial at Killikurissimangalam, near here.
Initiated at 12
Nambiar was initiated into the world of Koodiyattam in 1939, at the age of 12. He accompanied his father for temple performances in Kottiyoor and Madaikavu in North Malabar and Avittathoor and Peruvanam in Central Kerala. “We moved on foot from place to place, carrying the luggage on our heads,” he recalls.
It was because of his dedication that ‘mizhavu’ has been transformed into an independent percussion instrument with more artistic freedom, financial support, and reputation. As a‘ koodiyattam’ actor, he is known for his role as Arjuna in ‘Subradhananjayam.’
It was in 1966 that he became part of the Kutiyattam faculty of Kerala Kalamandalam.
He used that stint to groom some of the talented ‘mizhavu’ performers such as Easwaran Unni, V.K.K. Hariharan and Edanadu Unnikrishnan Nambiar.
In 1980, he compiled ‘Sreekrishna Charitam Nangiarkoothu’ and that marked a milestone in the revival of ‘nangiarkoothu’.
