In the Indian state of Kerala, Kutiyattam is one of the oldest living theatrical traditions. Originating more than 2,000 years ago, Kutiyattam is a synthesis of Sanskrit classical and reflects the local tradition of Kerala. It is a stylized and codified language that, among other things, emphasizes net abhinaya (eye expression) and hasta abhinaya (the language of gestures). These focus on the feelings and thoughts of the character. To become a fully-fledged actor, actors must undergo more than ten to fifteen years of rigorous training in order to develop sophisticated breathing control and subtle muscle shifts of the face and body. They must excel at elaborating a situation or episode in all its detail. Because of this, one-act may take up to forty days to perform, and a complete performance can last up to forty days.
The literature on Kutiyattam indicates that it has been around for some 1800 years. From the 14th century onwards the references were more plentiful, providing information on the form's various aspects. Kutiyattam was very popular and greatly appreciated by the rulers of Kerala for centuries. It was only later in the 20th century that Kutiyattam emerged from the kootampalas or temple theatres, which non-Hindus are not allowed to enter. The first Malayali writer to write plays in Sanskrit was Kulasekhara Varma (c. 11th century). Kulasekhara Varma is said to have also written a Kutiyattam manual. This manual is sometimes regarded as the "founder" of Kutiyattam. Numerous other writers after him have written Kutiyattam plays. These include both large-scale heroic plays and shorter farces. Many of these plays contain elements from the great epics Mahabharata and Ramayana, as was also the case in Sanskrit drama.
Traditional Kutiyattam performances are performed in theaters called Kuttampalams, located in Hindu temples. Originally, the performances were restricted from wider audiences due to their sacred nature, but the roles of the actors are still considered sacred, as documented by practices such as purification rituals and the placement of an oil lamp on stage during the performance, symbolizing a divine presence. It is the male actors who hand down their trainees detailed and intricate performance manuals, which were previously the exclusive and secret property of selected families. The stages are mostly rectangular and they are fairly intimate in size, thereby allowing the audience to enjoy the actors’ hand gestures and expressions, which are what make the whole art form so enjoyable.
The collapse of patronage, as well as the feudal order, caused the families who held the secrets to acting techniques to experience serious hardship in the nineteenth century. After a revival in the early twentieth century, Kutiyattam experienced a serious financial crisis, which led to a severe crisis within the profession. This situation has prompted the various organizations responsible for transmitting the tradition to join forces to assure the continuity of the Sanskrit theatre.
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