A sensual blend of wide-ranging cultures is tangible in Chavittunatakam. Literally means 'Stamping Drama', its history begins with advent of the Portuguese to the Malabar coast of Kerala.
Chavittunadakam has a story to tell. When the Portuguese came to Kerala, they felt a vacuum in the cultural arena. What they needed was a medium to spread the myths and the legends they held dear. They felt Kathakali impressive, but their ego did not permit them to graft their legends on it. Hence created a distinctive dance drama of their own. Collaborating with Malayalee scholars they moulded librettos extorting the heroic exploits of legendary Christian warriors. Chavittu nadakam characters don glittering dress which evinces fashion of medieval age.
They sing loudly with exaggerated gestures and pound the wooden stage. The play is considered success if at the finale, the stage cave into the pressure of heavy pounding
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