Karalsman

Chavittu Natakam originated in the coastal belt of western Kerala during the 16th and 17th century, together with the advent of the Christian Missionaries. Closely connected to Koothu and Koodiyattam of Kerala, the dance form also bears striking resemblance to the Greek Opera. While in the olden days, the performance of a single story of Chavittu Natakam extended between ten to fifteen days, it has now been confined to a short span of two hours. The story of this play is based on the heroic deeds of the French emperor Karalsman (Charlemagne), who defeated Albrath, the emperor of Jerusalem, regaining the land he had once lost.

Yuvajana Chavittu Nataka Kala Samithi has put up more than 350 Chavittu Natakam shows, both in and outside Kerala. In this, 75% of the programmes were put up with the help of Sri Surya Krishna Moorthy, who arranges programmes known as “Nattarivukal.’’