Kochi: Chavittunatakam, a Christian dance drama closely linked to the Portuguese history in Kerala needs to be promoted and performed in Portugal, according to Jithendra Nath Mishra, Indian Ambassador to Portugal.
After visiting Gothuruth on Thursday as part of a tour to study the cultural and social links between Kerala and Portugal, Mishra remarked that promotion of the art form is a cultural need. During the ambassador's visit, artistes from Chavittunataka Padhanakendram performed the dance drama.
Mishra also visited the statue of Chinnathampi Annavi, major proponent of Chavittunatakam in Kerala.
The 11-foot-tall statue is being made as part of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale. “Chinnathampi Annavi was the pioneering exponent of this artistic form in the coastal areas from Kodungalloor to Kollam.
The Biennale Foundation has decided to make a memorial for him considering the historical significance of Chavittunatakam,” said Boney Thomas, trustee of Biennale Foundation.
The statue will be formally unveiled during a Chavittunatakam fest to be conducted in Gothuruth from December 26 to 30.”
