Devarattam workshop to help theatre artistes

Chennai-based theatre group, Theatre Akku, will be holding a one-day workshop on Devarattam by Gramiya Kalaimani Master Kannan Kumar for theatre enthusiasts, traditional art form lovers and dancers. “Traditionally, it was performed during the king’s period after a successful battle. Later, people started performing Devarattam as a ritual practise in villages during occasions like festivals, weddings, and so on. 

"The dancers, both male and female, wear colourful costumes and hold handkerchiefs in each hand while performing the dance. But after a point, theatre artistes started using Devarattam as one of the performances in their productions as well,” says Vetri from Theatre Akku.

This particular dance form uses a combination of martial arts, intricate steps and unique dance moves. So, when a person does perform the dance, it will help him or her learn how to attain a perfect body balance and also works as a therapy. 

“Devarattam has an undeniable charm and purity to it making it one of the favourites for many performers and theatre artistes. So, while thinking about its benefits, we thought why not introduce the stunning folk dance to Chennaiites. This is beneficial for theatre artistes in improvising acting skills and dancers in attaining a body balance. Also, we wanted to spread traditional art forms and keep our tradition alive,” he adds.