A
ritual dance performed in honour of the temple deity. Prevalent in North Kerala
and South Kanara district of Karnataka. Theyyam, the local deity, is believed
to bless and arbitrate between the farmers and their landlords. Unlike Kathakali,
Theyyam is being performed by people of lower strata. Each one has a distinctive
headgear and costume made out of natural materials like leaves and bark. Facial
decorations are intricately designed and rich in symbolism, transforming the
lowly farmer into a deity. Theyyam is always performed by men, they also enact
female roles wearing make-up and colourful costumes of women.
For many a performer, applying paint for theyyam is only a part-time job.
These days, theyyams have a newfound role to perform: give colour and festivity
to processions Theyyakkolams are being flaunted on streets even by political
parties.
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