Nangyar Koothu - A traditional solo dance drama.

Nangyarkoothu is the traditional name of the koothu performance of a female member (Nangiar) of the Chakkiar community, the koothu performers. Like the better-known Chakyarkoothu, one of the oldest classical arts of Kerala, the Nangyarkoothu is also presented in the traditional temple theatre, the Koothambalam or Koothupura.

This is a solo dance drama mainly centered on the legends of Lord Krishna. Verses are sung and interpreted through mime and dance. The mudras though the same as in Kutiyattam, are even more elaborate. Movements, gestures and facial expressions which have their origin in Natyasastra, the treatise on theatre, written by Sage Bharatha in the 2nd century BC.

The performance is accompanied with Mizhavu (a percussion instrument) and Ilathalam (cymbals).

These are photographs taken during the performance at Margi Cultural forum , Trivandrum.Kerala.

RavanaVijayam Kathakali (An Indian Sacred Mime)

Ravana Vijayam' is considered an important oeuvre among the vast repertory of Attakathas (Kathakali literature). It is a sample of the paradoxes of Kerala's classical art forms, where the characters usually dubbed as wicked and villainous turn out to be the heroes, not quite in disguise.

The title itself, which means 'victory of Ravana,' describes the gist of the story. The play extols the triumphs of Ravana, which, of course, lead to his ultimate downfall.

The story delineates Ravana's conquests including the battle with his own brother Vibhishana, who tries in vain to advise him against his wayward ways. After the battle with Vibhishana, Ravana comes across Rambha, the apsarasu (divine courtesan). Attracted by her beauty, Ravana molests her against her will.Then, he defeats Vaisravana, the king of Alakapuri, considered to be the richest among the rich, and seizes his 'Pushpaka Vimanam.'

In this scene king Ravana attracted by the stunning beauty of Rembha and he is trying to impress her.The facial expressions of Ravana reveals his desire to the beauty of Rembha.