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Chavittu
Nadakam
 The most sensual blend of cultural influences can be seen in
this Christian dance-drama. Chavittu Nadakam is a recently evolved dance drama.
It came into existence after the advent of the Portuguese to the Malabar
shores.
Chavittu Nadakam
has an interesting history
behind it. When the Portuguese came to Kerala, they felt a vacuum in the
cultural arena. What they needed is a vehicle to spread the myths and legends
they held in reverence. They were impressed with the sway of Kathakali but
obviously felt that it would be unwise to graft their legends on to the
Kathakali dance drama. The solution was to create a distinctive dance drama of
their own. Collaborating with Malayalee scholars they produced librettos
which extorted the heroic exploits of legendary Christian warriors. In Chavittu
Nadakam there are large number of characters donning glittering medieval dress.
They sing their lines loudly and with exaggerated gestures and stamp with great
force on the wooden stage. The play is considered a success if at the end, the
platform collapses from all the kicking and stamping. Chavittu Nadakam literally
means 'Stamping Drama'.
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