Thullal

At last the 250 year old ban was lifted.
Thullal one of the performing arts of Kerala, was banned from performing at the Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple, 250 years ago.
WHY?
The reason is connected with the origin of this art itself. Hence here is how this Histrionic art developed.

Thullal is the most popular and interesting variety of indigenous entertainment form of Kerala. Kunchan Nambiar one of the foremost poets of Kerala composed more than 60 poems to be enacted for the delectation of the people.

The circumstance

Traditionally Nambiars (a community) are Mizhavu(a percussion instrument used in Chakyar Koothu-another performing art of Kerala) artistes. Kunchna Nambiar an ace percussionist failed to satisfy the Chakyar, on the drum to his satisfaction.(another story says that Nambiar was dosing over) Chakyar ridiculed Nambiar in the presence of audience for his shabby performance. Nambiar took a vow that he would humble Chakyar.

Crest-fallen Nambiar sneaked into his residence and prayed to Lord Krishna. He evolved a new form of story telling that night.
Next day, Nambiar took his stand next opposite to the Chakyar. Chakyar was amazed and perturbed to find Nambair in a new costume. Nambiar performed Thullal to the accompaniment of a drum and a cymbal. The audience who were listening to the Chakyar, gathered around Nambiar. The Chakyar retreated in shame. Thus Nambiar scored a victory over Chakyar. The Chakyar informed what had happened to the Maharaja and it is said that, the Maharaja banned Thullal in the Ambalapuzha Temple.
Kunchan Nambiar came to Travancore. His major works were composed while in Travancore. He was the court poet of the then Maharaja Anizham Tirunal Marthanda Varma a great patron of letters.

The works of Nambiar
The first thullal composed by Nambiar was Kalayana saugandigam- a story from Mahabharata. Here Bhima at the behest of Draupadi wanders in the forest in search of Kalyana saugandigam(a flower) and his encounters on his way. The story nay all the works of Nambiar are saturated with wit and humor. This art form had thus popular appeal to mass minds.

Performance
It is performed during day time. There is only one thullakkaran-the performer. He is assisted by two musicians and two percussionists (on the maddalam).
The thullakkaran sings and dances making appropriate gestures to explain the meaning. It begins with the invocation of Ganesa and Saraswathi. The thullalkkaran renders a few lines repeated by the drummer. The actor simultaneously interprets the meaning of the lines repeated by the drummer. No curtain is used.

The three different forms:
OTTAM, SEETHANGAN AND PARAYAN are the three forms of thullal. Ottam thullal is the most popular. It is the most vigorous form. The first two forms are overburdened with literary embellishments, and are outstanding for their beauty of sound, sweet cadence, and uncontrolled outbursts of caustic humor.

Costume and make-up:
The costume is picturesque. It is an elaborate affair. The crown is fan shaped inlaid with colored glass and gilt work. The breast plate is resplendent with multicolored spangles shells and glass pieces. He paints his face in green and reddens his eye with the flowers of chunda.
Lips are painted red, tow lines drawn from the corners of the eyes to the ears add to his dignified appearance. A scarlet skirt is worn around the waist. A large number of tapes in scarlet and white with loops at the bottom are tied above the skirt. Tiny bells are fastened around his legs.
The head gear of parayan thullal is made of tender coconut fronds. In sethangal thulla the head gear is conical. Decorated wooden plaques adorn his wrist.

The stories:
The stories are based on Ramayana and Mahabharata. The composer with his allusive satire on popular morals and manners must have had its biting effect on the people. There is real art and spiritual propaganda. He has cleverly put into the mouth of his character that appears in flesh and blood great truths.
» add new comment | 209 reads

>