Thullal
Thullal
is a solo performance combining the dance and recitation of stories in verse.
Staged during temple festivals, the performer explicates the verses through
expressive gestures.
The themes are based on mythology. This satiric art form was introduced in the18th
century by the renowned poet Kunchan Nambiar .
Humour, satire and social criticism are the hallmarks of Thullal. The make up,
though simple, is very much akin to that of Kathakali.
The Thullal dancer is supported by a singer who repeats the verses and is accompanied
by an orchestra of mridangam or thoppi maddalam (percussions) and cymbals.
There are three related forms of Thullal - Ottanthullal , Seethankanthullal
and Parayanthullal - of which the first is the most popular. The three are distinguished
by the costumes worn and the metre of the verses.
Thullal is usually performed in the premises of temples during festivals and
provides for thought and entertainment to the thousands of people who gather
at these events.
Dances in Kerala
Kathakali
|| Koothu
|| Chavittunatakom
|| Oppana ||
Valakkali
|| Mohiniyattam
|| Paana || Kolkkali
|| Thiruathirakkali
|| Tholppavakoothu
|| Krishnanattom
|| Kakkarissi
Natakom || Thullal
|| Kootiyattom
|| Duffmuttu
