Koothambalam (Traditional Temple-Theater)
Traditionally kuttu and kutiyattam performances are held in the kuttambalams. Some of the major temples in Kerala still have kuttambalams. Built as per the inscriptions laid down in sage bharata’s natyasastra of 2nd century A.D., kuttambalam is an architecturally elegant structure that gives perfect ambience for the staging of kutiyattam and nangyarkuttu. They are so designed to facilitate intense communication between the artists and the audience. Kuttambalams in the hindu temples like the one in Thrissur, Irinjalakuda, Moozhikkulam and Haripad face the sanctum-sanctorum and are considered a sacred space. As a pre-eminent institution for the teaching and performance of classical arts, Kerala kalamandalam felt the need for a koothambalam/natyagriha bringing together the classicism of ancient theatre architecture and modern amenities. In 1977 the natyagriha came into being under the architectural guidance of D. Appukuttan Nair and the aristry of Elavally Narayanan Achari, a master craftsman. The pillars of the kuttambalam are made of black granite. 108 karanas(dance-poses) specified in the natyasastra are carved on the pillars. Just behind the stage story of Arjuna getting the divine arrow, pashupatha from lord Shiva, is depicted beautifully in mural painting. The wooden platform and the clean unadorned frontal space ideally place the performers and the spectators during the festival days of kalamandalam. Subdued electric lights and microphones provide due effect to the dance/theatre/music recitals held overnight. People from far and near have invariably appreciated the architectural grandeur and aesthetic tone of kuttambalam, brimming with the glory of a distant past.
