Chakyarkoothu is one of the oldest classical arts of Kerala. A fine
blend of social satire, mime and comedy, the Chakyarkoothu is usually
presented in the traditional temple theatre Koothambalam or Koothupura.
Today, you can witness a performance at venues like the Vadakkumnatha
temple at Thrissur, Sri Krishna Swamy temple at Ambalappuzha , Kumaranalloor
temple at Kottayam and Koodal Manickyam temple at Irinjalakkuda.
This solo performance by the Chakkiar (a community name for Koothu
performers) who dons the role of the Vidushaka (jester) is accompanied
by the Mizhavu - (a percussion instrument) and Ilathalam (cymbals).
The performance begins with an invocation to the presiding deity of
the temple. The narration is enlived with thandava (the cosmic dance
of Lord Siva) dance movements, gestures and facial expressions according
to the 2nd century B.C treatise on theatre, Natyasastra written by
Sage Bharatha.
Through his inimitable narration of stories from the epics, the Chakkiar
satirises the manners and customs of the time. No one is above the
butt of his ridicule which varies from innocent mockery to veiled
innuendoes, barbed puns and pungent invectives.
Chakyarkoothu is also performed as part of Kootiyattam. The female
members (Nangiars) of the Chakkiar community perform the Nangyarkoothu.
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