A form of traditional puppetry from Kerala, Tolpava Koothu-originating in the Bhagavati temples of Palghat district-presents the Ramayana story as told by Kambar, the Tamil epic poet, in the kamba Ramayana. In 21 pars, over 21 evenings, the story is enacted in koothu-madmas or temple theatres before eager local audience. Part ritual, part instruction, and a form of entertainment inseparable from rural life in Kerala, Tolpava Koothu is an art demanding knowledge of the scriptures together with skill in delivery, diction, and puppet manipulation. This monograph provides a basic introduction to the Tolpava Koothu-setting out its cultural background, associated rituals, as well as specifics of stage, illumination, music, puppets and their manipulation, A day-wise synopsis of the story as presented in 21 parts, select scenes from Tolpava Koothu, lists of puppets and temples where the art is practiced help to bring alive the subject to the reader.
There are no reviews yet.