KOCHI: Gothuruthu, famous for its long-standing Chavittunatakam tradition, has finally got a permanent place for the performance of the art form that should cheer the hearts of enthusiasts.
The Maritime Arts Centre, which will be inaugurated on Wednesday, has been built with the help of the Cochin Shipyard, which has spent ₹25 lakh on the facility as part of its corporate social responsibility initiative.
The arts centre has been built with a view to encourage the traditional art forms of coastal areas, especially Chavittunatakam, which has made a strong comeback after years of neglect. Residents of Gothuruthu should be particularly happy as the riverine island has been considered a place where the art form has flourished.
The centre will be supervised by Sports and Arts Club, which has been organising the Gothuruthu boat race as well as the popular ‘Chuvadi’ festival, which has been on since 2012. Well-known Chavittunatakam proponent Thampi Payappilly said the idea of a permanent venue for the art form had come up in 2012.
The new building has a stage and a green room as well as facilities for full-fledged performance of Chavittunatakam, which is known for its colourful and elaborate costumes. The art form that became popular among the coastal population has elements of the European opera, while the elaborate body movements define the dance-drama.
Efforts by Chavittunatakam enthusiasts have resulted in the art form being revived, and the Chuvadi festival is an outstanding example of its growing popularity.
The inauguration of the arts centre will be followed by a Chavittunatakam performance by students of BSF Gurukulam, Alathur, as well as students of St. Sebastian’s School, Gothuruthu.
