Kutiyattam, the Sanskrit theatre of Kerala, on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
Background
Kerala's classical Sanskrit theatre is recognised by UNESCO not as a monument but as living heritage, on a list of its own. Kutiyattam, Sanskrit theatre, is practised in the province of Kerala and is one of India's oldest living theatrical traditions. It was inscribed in 2008 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and had been proclaimed earlier, in 2001. Originating more than 2,000 years ago, Kutiyattam represents a synthesis of Sanskrit classicism and reflects the local traditions of Kerala. In its stylized and codified theatrical language, neta abhinaya (eye expression) and hasta abhinaya (the language of gestures) are prominent. Actors undergo ten to fifteen years of rigorous training; a single act may take days to perform and a complete performance may last up to 40 days. Kutiyattam is traditionally performed in theatres called Kuttampalams, which are located in Hindu temples.
In plain words
Kuttampalam — The roofed theatre hall built inside a temple compound for ritual performance.
Abhinaya — The acting technique by which a performer conveys meaning through body, face and gesture.
Representative List Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity — UNESCO's main list of living traditions, kept separate from the World Heritage List of places.