Chavittunatakam Chorus

About this event

Chavittu Natakam is a distinctive Christian dance-drama tradition of Kerala that combines music, acting, dialogue, vigorous footwork and theatrical movement. The art form developed along the coastal regions of Kerala under Portuguese and European influence, particularly among Latin Christian communities, and reflects an unusual meeting of indigenous performance traditions with Western operatic styles. Its name, commonly translated as “stamping drama,” refers to the forceful rhythmic stamping performed by the actors on a wooden stage. Chavittu Natakam traditionally draws on Christian stories, the lives of saints and heroic or historical narratives, while later productions have also explored a wider range of themes. The performance is characterised by colourful costumes inspired by European royal attire, including crowns, ornaments and warrior-like accessories, while the movement vocabulary combines theatrical gestures with vigorous rhythmic steps. Music and song are integral to the presentation, with the actors themselves traditionally singing as they perform, supported by percussion instruments such as chenda, maddalam, ilathalam and padathamber. The language of the traditional texts is predominantly a mixture of Tamil and Malayalam, reflecting the historical development of the form and its early association with Tamil Christian communities. The chorus is an important musical component of Chavittu Natakam, supporting the dramatic progression and reinforcing the rhythmic energy of the performance, although the art form as a whole is more accurately understood as a complete musical dance-drama rather than simply a chorus presentation. Arthunkal St. Andrew’s Basilica in Alappuzha is an important Christian pilgrimage centre and the setting for the annual Arthunkal Perunnal, a major feast associated with St. Sebastian. Chavittu Natakam may be presented in church and festival settings in Kerala, and performances at religious or cultural gatherings provide opportunities to encounter this rare heritage art form in a community context. The basilica’s association with Christian devotional traditions gives such a performance an appropriate cultural setting, while the open spaces commonly used for Chavittu Natakam allow the vigorous movements, music and theatrical costumes to be appreciated by a larger audience. Today, the tradition is preserved through performers, cultural organisations and dedicated centres such as the Chavittu Natakam Performance Centre at Gothuruthu. Its survival represents an important part of Kerala’s Christian cultural heritage and demonstrates the enduring influence of cultural exchange on the state’s performing arts.

🚆 Railway: Cherthala Railway Station, about 8 km from Arthunkal Basilica.

✈️ Airport: Cochin International Airport, about 68 km from Arthunkal Basilica.

🚌 Bus: Arthunkal is accessible by road from Cherthala and surrounding towns through local bus services; the basilica is located at Arthunkal P.O., Cherthala, Alappuzha district.

🏨 Stay: Kerala Tourism lists homestays and other accommodation in and around Arthunkal, including properties within a few kilometres of the basilica.

✅ Notes: Chavittu Natakam is a traditional Christian musical dance-drama rather than a standalone music concert. Performances are held at different venues and occasions, so the date and programme of any specific presentation at Arthunkal should be confirmed with the event organiser or basilica. Arthunkal is also the venue of the annual Arthunkal Perunnal, held in January.