Chutti Classroom: The Experience in reflecting on the Learning of Kathakali Chutti (Makeup) at Kerala Kalamandalam

The paper is a part of ongoing PhD research. The purpose of this study was to explore the hand on learning of craft practice which were Kathakali chutti (makeup) and costumes making by employing the tacit theory of Harry Collin: relational tacit knowledge, somatic knowledge, and collective knowledge into analysis process and discussion. The data collection was through immersive learning as a deep study by immerse self to practice and to learn with students at Kerala Kalamandalam. The result of exploration indicated that while the learning of younger students may be through emulation and repetition, the practitioner's knowledge is gained through self-conscious means of logical thinking and mathematic approximation, gaining the somatic tacit knowledge that the teacher has. Also, collective tacit knowledge is relevant, because during interacting with cultural background and society, it is very different from the practitioner's previous experience, and yet through the immersive experience, the practitioner is able to gain the knowledge and skills not otherwise available to an outsider