Nangiar Koothu is a version of Kutiyattam - thought to be the oldest uninterrupted theatre form in the world. Ancient Sanskrit texts such as the Ramayana are narrated with an esoteric system of hand and facial gestures so intricate that just one act of a play can last up to ten nights. Until very recently it was only performed by a few families from the Chakyar and Nambiar castes, and not seen outside temples or, in fact, by non-Hindus. In the last few decades, however, its survival has been ensured by actors from other castes committing themselves to the years of intensive training required to master the art.