Kerala Kalamandalam

Kerala Kalamandalam at Cheruthuruthy, was founded by Malayalam Poet Vallathol in 1930. Main objective was to revive, preserve and develop ancient and traditional art form of Kerala, particularly Kathakali. Kalamandalam has been the nursery of Kerala’s renowned kathakali artistes. Hundreds of boys and girls are undergoing training in various branches of performing arts such as Mohiniyattom, Koodiyattom and Ottan Thullal. Many foreigners captivated by the language of Kathakali and other art forms are joining the training sessions. Koothambalam attached to the Kalamandalam is a major attraction. The Samadhi (tomb) of the founder-poet is in the premises of the Kalamandalam on the banks of River Bharathapuzha.

The Kalamandalam and its surroundings reflect the simple, pure and ethnic atmosphere in which these arts have survived for centuries. The Koothambalam – the traditional dance theatre at Kalamandalam is the only one in Kerala which is built outside a temple complex. This theatre is 14.62 m long and 7.31m wide and has four wooden pillars supporting it. It has three main parts – the aniyara (green room), the rangam (stage) – the space in front and side of it meant for the audience, and the mridanga-patha (where the drum is kept).

Close to the old Kalamandalam campus is the Vallathol Museum where the precious moments in the life of poet and scholar Vallathol are preserved in visuals and words. The portrait gallery here has on display oil portraits of eminent artistes of yester years. The Vallathol Samaadhi – the final resting place of the poet is another attraction in the old campus. Koodiyattam and Ottam Thullal and other arts form like music, drama, and other dance forms. Many internationally recognized artists in classing dancing have been trained here and the kalamandalam has contributed greatly in imparting dance training for over the past 78 years.