BYU-Idaho Online Learning
Video Transcript
[This transcript is currently a work in progress.]
Narrator: The Kutiyattam Sanskrit Theater, from the province of Kerala, is the oldest living theatrical tradition in India. It is traditionally performed in kuttampalams, which are theaters located in Hindu temples. The Kutiyattam goes back more than 2000 years, and represents unique synthesis of Sanskrit classicism and local traditions of Kerala, particularly the comic theater in the Malayalam language.
Man: [speaking in foreign language] There is a sacred aspect to the actor's role, with purification rituals undertaken beforehand, and the presence of an oil lamp on stage, symbolizing divine presence during performances. The male actors, from the Chakya community, hand down extremely detailed performance manuals from master to pupil, which, until recent times, remained the exclusive and secret property of specific families. Facial expressions—especially with the eyes—movement, and gesture, form a very precisely codified language.
Man 2: [singing foreign language]
Narrator: Access to performances was originally restricted because of their sacred nature, but they have progressively opened up. The actor, which generally consists of an act taken from a classical Sanskrit play, goes into extremely precise detail to the extent that complete performances may last up to 40 days. The Kutiyattam is the only form of theater in India where men from the Chakya community and women from the Nangia community perform alongside each other, accompanied by percussionists from the Nangia community.
Woman: [singing foreign language]
[End of video.]