Mudiyettu, presented the day after Kalamezhuthu, is a folk, traditional, and ritual-theatre form of Kerala, performed in temples dedicated to the goddess Bhadrakali. It dramatizes the battle between Bhadrakali and the demon Dharika, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
This ritualistic performance is marked by elaborate costumes, makeup, and active communal participation, merging myth, ritual, and art to create a collective cultural and spiritual experience. As Bhadrakali prepares for battle, people from the audience join as her horde of spirits, or Bhootaganam, creating a dynamic and immersive experience.
Performed prior to the Mudiyettu performance, Kalamezhuthu is a sacred ritualistic art form, where images of deities are inscribed on the floor using five natural colors, each symbolizing one of the elements. In the context of Mudiyettu, the kalam, a drawing, depicts the fierce form of Bhadrakali. This drawing is accompanied by Pattu - hymns, and chants that describe Bhadrakali's form and the mythological battle.
Together, the kalam and the pattu invoke divine energies and lay the narrative foundation for the Mudiyettu performance. Upon completing the kalam, a drum ensemble presents Pancharimelam, a traditional composition set in a 6-beat rhythm, adding to the festive atmosphere.
(The set up for this performance would include a ritual of Kalamezhuthu, Pattu, and Panchari Melam at The Quad in Kala Academy on 15 December from 6 PM to 9 PM. Please visit The Quad to attend this.)
Duration: 3 hours
CREDITS:
Keezhillam Unnikrishnan
Anand Udayan
Rajeesh V.R
Arun Kumar
Yadavendran
Anil Kumar
Vineesh Vijayan
Gopalkrishnan Kurup
Vishnu M. S
Athul Sanjeev
Akhil K.V
Arun Krishna
Aromal Amrith
Saneesh A. B
Ratheesh N.T
