Very few art forms can unleash limitless energy on stage and Chavittunatakam is one. There is glitter and flamboyance, verve and theatrics, finesse and innovation. From their synchronised stompings to their infectious energy, the participants are all balls of fire. Part dance and part acrobatics, the folk theatre has an infectious vitality and the players add pizazz to it through a variety of hops and skips. At one point the music soars to a mad crescendo and the dancers move as if liquid adrenaline has hit their blood stream.
While the dance drama is often called Christian Kathakali presenting stories related to Christ, saints and kings, the Chavittunatakam competition at Sopanam auditorium was not limited to Carelman Charitham (Charlemagne the Great) or Mahanaya Alexander (Alexander the Great). There were productions on Lord Ayyappa, Joan of Arc and Velu Thampi Dalawa, the contestants performing the art form without losing its stylistic essence.
