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Krishnanattom
is the traditional performance that lasts for eight days and covers the
whole span of Krishna's life from his birth to 'Swargarohanam' or
ascension to the heavens.
Orchestral accompaniments are 'Maddalam',
'Ilathalam'
and 'Chengila'. Krishnanattom, though boasting of a unique choreography
assumes more the nature of a Morality Play, seldom presuming to lay claim
to the theatrical sophistry so integral to
Kathakali and
Koottiyattam. Krishnanattom is
a spectacle for both the scholar and the simple rustic.
The visual effect is enhanced by varied and colourful facial make-up with
larger-than-life-masks, made of lightwood and cloth padding, for certain
characters. The characters who do not wear masks have specific facial
colours applied within the frame of a white 'chutti'.
The predominant colours used are dark green, flesh tint and deep rose.
Most of the characters wear red vests and flowing 'Uthariyams'. The
characters of Krishna, Arjuna and Garuda wear dark blue vests.