Question

Consider the following: Which of the statement/statements regarding 'Chavittu Natakam' is/are correct?

1. Chavittu Natakam is a vibrant folk art form believed to have originated and flourished in Kodungalloor, Kerala, with the spread of Christianity.
2. It is thought to have been introduced by the Portuguese.
3. Chavittu Natakam is known as "Whispering Drama" because the performers communicate in hushed tones during the entire performance
4. The musical instruments used in Chavittu Natakam include Bagpipes, Didgeridoo, and Sitar

• A. iii, iv
• B. None of these
• C. i, ii
• D. i only

Answer 1

Answer:

C. i, ii

Chavittu Natakam:

• Chavittu Natakam is a vibrant folk art form believed to have originated and flourished in Kodungalloor, Kerala, with the spread of Christianity.
• It is thought to have been introduced by the Portuguese.
• Chinna Thampi Pilla and Vedanayakan Pilla are considered the originators of Chavittu Natakam, with its roots in the influence of western visual art opera.
• Influences from western visual art opera, as well as traditional art forms like Kathakali and Kalaripayattu, are discernible in Chavittu Natakam.

Performance

• A distinctive feature of Chavittu Natakam is the stamping of the floor by the performers, creating resonating sounds while dancing.
• This characteristic has earned it the nickname "Stamping Drama."
• The performance takes place on a stage referred to as "thattu," which is laid with wooden planks.
• The elaborate costumes of the artistes resemble ancient Greek-Roman soldiers and European kings.
• Background music is provided by instruments like Chenda, Padathamber, Maddalam, and Ilathalam. Modern additions include Tabala, Fiddle, Flute, and Bulbul.
• The performance opens with an invocation, followed by a humming sequence (Virutham).
• The play begins with a durbar scene, and the dialogues are presented in the form of songs.
• Actors in Chavittu Natakam sing their lines loudly, accompanied by exaggerated gestures.
• The stamping on the wooden stage, known as Chavittu, varies for different characters, distinguishing between good and bad characters.

Popular Plays:

• Some well-known plays in Chavittu Natakam include
  • Carelman Charitham
  • Brijeena Charitham
  • Marthoma Sandesam
  • St. Sebastian
  • Daveedhum Goliyathum
  • Mahanaya Alexander
  • Veerayodhakkalude Anthyam.