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 .Thullal is distinct
with its simplicity of presentation and its frank, outspoken wit and
humour.
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.
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