Thullal
is a classical solo dance form, of Kerela, which comes closer to contemporary
life, and is marked for its simplicity, wit and humour.
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 .
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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