Last week we went to one of my colleagues’ house to participate in religious function called Vellattam. Velllattam is a form of Theyyam, a very rich cultural dance or invocation generally performed in front of the village shrines or in the houses in Kerala.
There was no stage or curtain and other arrangements for the performance. When we reached his house the theyyam artist was doing his make up. There are different patterns of face-painting. Mostly primary and secondary colors are applied with contrast for face painting. It had effected certain stylization also. It was very interesting to see the way he wears his ornaments, which were seen like of a fairy tale.
The dancer along with drummers recites the particular ritual song, which describes the myths and legends of the particular ritual song, which describes the myths, and legends. This performance is a combination of playing of musical instruments, vocal recitation, dance and strange makeup and costumes. The stage-practices of Theyyam and its ritualistic observations make it one of the fascinating theatrical arts of Kerala.
