Changing times: Women dominating the Koodiyattam theatre in Kerala

THE male domination in Koodiyattam, one of India's oldest living theatre traditions that reflects Kerala's rich cultural heritage, is slowly fading.

- MANOJ VISWANATHAN

Reflecting the decline in enthusiasm among males to learn Koodiyattam, only four boys have joined the course at Kalamandalam cultural varsity this year. At the same time, around 40 girl students are pursuing the course at Kalamandalam.

Koodiyattam artistes cite lack of patronage and limited opportunities as reasons for the male candidates' poor response to the courses. There is a popular belief that the Sanskrit theatre is indigestible to the common man. "It is a reflection of the changing taste of society," says Jishnu Pratap, assistant professor in Koodiyattam, Kalamandalam.

"Parents want their wards to pursue a course that can help them get a job with lucrative salary. They realise that there is lack of patronage for traditional art forms and this profession cannot provide a steady income. It is disappointing to note that there are hardly people below the age of 50 in the audience at Koodiyattam performances," he says.