Ottanthullal

Ottanthullal :Among the classical performing arts of Kerala, Thullal is distinct for its simplicity of presentation, wit and humour. It follows the classical principles of Natyasasthra (a treatise on art compiled in the 2nd century B.C).Ottanthullal is the most popular among its three varieties. The other two are Seethankan and Parayan Thullal. Thullal is a solo performance combining dance and recitation. Staged during temple festivals, the performer explicates the verses through expressive gestures. Themes are based on mythological stories. Humour, satire and social criticism are the hallmarks of this art form. The Thullal dancer is accompanied by a singer who repeats the verses. The orchestra consists of the Mridangam or the Thoppi Maddalam and a pair of cymbals.

Thullal was introduced in the 18th century by the famous Malayalam poet Kunchan Nambiar (1705 - 1770). A satirist, he is the man who brought literary wit and humour within the ken of common man. His innovative satiric art form Ottanthullal reflected his deep sense of social responsibility. Witticism and anecdotes from the life of this genius have become part of the lores and legends of the State.

There is an interesting story about the origin of the Thullal. Nambiar, who used to play the Mizhavu, (a percussion instrument) during Koothu performances, was once caught napping during a performance and the annoyed Koothu player sent him off the stage. To get his own back, the insulted young man created the new art form overnight and presented it himself the next evening. The audience were thrilled. However this story has been debated by scholar ever since, who believe that it is impractical to create a new art form Thullal overnight.

The Costume: The make up, though simple, is very much akin to that of Kathakali. The actor wears a long tape of white and red coloured clothes looped around the waist-string to form a knee-long skirt. The chest-piece is adorned by various coloured beads, glass and tinsel, and other ornaments. The face is painted green, the lips, red and the eyes emphasised with black paint. The headgear is colourful and richly decorated.

Arjunanritham :Dance of Arjuna :Arjuna is said to have propitiated goddess Bhadrakaali by a devotional presentation Ayyappan Theeyattu :Ayyappan theeyattu performed at Sree Ayyappa temples is one of the two classifications of the religious ritual art called Theeyattu . Chakyarkoothu : A fine blend of social satire, mime and comedy, the Chakyarkoothu is usually presented in the traditional temple theatre Koothambalam Chuvannathadi in Kathakali :The vesham symbolically represents five classes, Pacha (green) portrays noble protagonists, Kathi (knife) villainous, thadi (beard), Kari (black) represents low characters and Minukku (prettying up) women, sages, brahmins Koodiyattom : A Nangiyar women plays cymbal and occasionally recites the verses. The musical element is very much suppressed in Koodiyattom Kathi Thayambaka : It is a pleasure to watch the revered old man weave magic with his hands moving in perfect synchronisation Kummattikali : mask dance usually performed in the northern districts of Kerala Kalamezhuthupattu : The coloured powders used for the kalam are prepared from natural products only. Kathakali : Kathakali the classical art form of Kerala is a spectacular blend of dance, drama, mime and song and is over 300 year old Kathakali Training :They also have to undergo training in dance steps, body movements, and the mudras or the art of conveying ideas and meanings through hand gestures. Mohiniyattom : The origin of Mohiniyattom is rooted in Hindu mythology. Legends says that when the ocean of milk was churned to extract the elixir of life and immortality, the demons made away with the divine brew Ottanthullal : A satirist, he is the man who brought literary wit and humour within the ken of common man Pavakali : Pavakkathakali was so simple a version of the Kathakali that it was welcomed by the illiterate, rural people for whom 'Kathakali' was inaccessible owing to its complexity. Parichamuttukali : Parichamuttukali is a group dance performed by men bearing swords and shields and follows the movements and steps of Kalarippayattu. Paramparya : Paramparya is a curtain raiser to the treasure trove of the arts and crafts tradition of India. The second annual exhibition was held on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake Parumthattom : The leading musicial instrument accompanying the art form is called Parayan Chenda - a percussion instrument. Patayani : Kadammanitta, Kadalimangalam, Neelamperur and Othara in Pathanamthitta are famous for annual Patayani performances. Thiruvathirakali :Today, Thiruvathirakali has become a popular dance form for all seasons. Yakshaganam :Yakshagana performers wear huge headgears, elaborate facial make-up, colourful costumes and ornaments which together give a superhuman appearance to the character presented.