Koothu
Koothu
is a socio-religious art performed in the Koothambalam or the Koothuthara of
temples, either independently or as part of Kootiyattam.
It is a solo narrative performance interspersed with mime and comic interludes.
The Chakkiar dons the role of ' Vidushaka' or the wise jester.
Through his inimitable narration of stories from the epics ( The Ramayana and
The Mahabharatha), the Chakkiar satirises the manners and customs of the time.
No one is above the butt of his ridicule. His wit ranges from innocent mockery
to veiled innuendoes, barbed pun and pungent invectives.
Koothu is intermittently accompanied by the percussion instrument Mizhavu. The
Nangyar Koothu is a variation of the Koothu performed by the Nangiars or the
female members of the Chakkiar community.
This is a solo dance drama mainly centred on the legends of Sree Krishna. Verses
are sung and interpreted through mime and dance.
The mudras, though the same as in Kootiyattam, are even more elaborate.
The art form is still performed in temples like Vadakkumnatha temple at Thrissur
, Sri Krishna temple at Ambalappuzha , Koodal Manikyam temple at Irinjalakkuda
and Kumaranalloor temple at Kottayam.
Kerala Art & Culture
Theyyam ||
Patayani || Poothanumthirayum
|| Paana || Tholppavakkoothu
|| Velakali || Kalamezhuthu
|| Margomkali || Mudiyettu
|| Koothu || Kannyarkali
|| Arjuna Nritham || Kavadiyattom
|| Theeyattu || Kummattikkali
