The most sensual blend of cultural influences can be seen in this Christian dance-drama. It has an interesting history behind it. When the Portuguese came to Kerala, they wanted to create a vehicle to spread the myths and legends they held in reverence. They were impressed with the gripping power of Kathakali but they obviously felt that it would be unwise to graft their legends on to the Kathakali dance drama. The solution was to create a distinctive dance drama of their own. Collaborating with the Malayalee scholars they produced librettos, which extorted the heroic exploits of legendary Christian warriors. In Chavittu Nadakam there are large number of characters, all in glittering medieval dress. They sing their lines loudly and with exaggerated gestures and they stamp their feet with great force on the wooden stage. Chavittu Nadakam literally means 'Stamping Drama'.