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.
South
India Tour Packages
Best of Karnataka Tour (Duration
: 8 Days)
(Mumbai - Bangalore - Mysore - Hassan - Bangalore -
Mumbai)
