Oppana is an exquisite dance performed traditionally among the
Muslim community. The tradition of Oppana
is said to be
more
600 years old. It is a wedding dance that is performed by ladies
for the bride, and by men to entertain the bride-groom.
On her wedding
day, the bride is dressed up in the dress of the Muslim
madamoiselle. She is lead to the stage and made to sit on a
stool. Her friends and relatives sing and dance around her,
clapping their hands and swaying gracefully. Two or three friends
lead the performance. "Mopla songs" are sung. The Harmonium,
Thabala, Ganchira and Cymbal are the instruments used to accompany
the singing. The duration of the performance differs
according to the length of the song. The team, including the
actual performers and the singers and other members of the crew,
compromises of about fifteen artists.
No particular
stage or settings are required for the dance. The only 'prop' used
is a stool or chair to seat the bride. No special lighting is
required and the dance is usually performed in available light.
Although Oppana can be enacted anytime, it usually performed at
night. The colorful dress of the bride, the exquisite jewelry of
the dancers make it a grand sight.
Today, Oppana
is a social entertainment performed mostly by ladies of all ages.
It is performed throughout Kerala particularly in Malabart, districts of
Malappuram, Calicut and Kannur.
