A new form of puppetry - the Pavakkathakali (Puppet Kathakali).
A new generation of puppets resembling the Kathakali characters were
crafted, and the folk art form gained popularity by door to door performances.
The padam or verses are borrowed from the original Kathakali padam
itself. The lack of expressions owing to the still faces of the puppets
are to a great extent compensated by modulating variations in the
padams.
Pavakkathakali was so simple a version of the Kathakali that it was
welcomed by the illiterate, rural people for whom 'Kathakali' was
inaccessible owing to its complexity. At the same time it proved to
be a novel entertainment for the rich and educated.
Today Pavakkathakali has carved a niche for itself in the vast folk
art canvas of the state. Performances of this art abroad has also
fetched much acclaim.
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