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Sound Play -- Anjana Rajan
In sync with the tradition
The mizhavu is a large drum of Kerala that accompanies a performance of Koodiyattam and its solo forms, viz., Chhakyar Koothu, performed by male dancers, and Nangiar Koothu, performed by women dancers. It is a large spherical drum made of copper.
The mizhavu player, usually seated at a high level, creates rhythms using the palms of the hands and the fingers.
Traditionally, two mizhavu players can be seen seated at the back of the stage when the Chhakyar or Nangiar performs.
Though seated behind the dancer, the drummers are able to follow the mood of the dancer in a precise manner.
Even the smallest flick of the finger, the eyebrows or eyes is picked up by the percussionists. This affinity comes from years of practising together, and also from a deep knowledge of the sastras of the art, familiarity with the traditions of the region and with the stories being depicted.
Today the spoken aspect (vachika abhinaya) of Chhakyar Koothu, a Sanskrit theatre art, is less commonly seen than the elaborate mime aspect. Thus the mizhavu playing assumes great importance and adds immensely to the audience’s appreciation of the dancer’s expression and interpretation.
Koodiyattam, being a highly ritualistic dance theatre that has come to the proscenium relatively recently, at least in comparison with better known (dance/theatre) forms from Kerala such as Kathakali and Mohiniyattam, the players of the mizhavu often belong to a particular community, known as the Ambalavasi Nambiars.
Mizhavu
Type Percussion
Made of Copper
Mainstream Koodiyattom, Chhakyar Koothu and Nangiar Koothu.
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Friday Review
Bangalore
Chennai and Tamil Nadu
Delhi
Hyderabad
Thiruvananthapuram
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