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Chakyarkoothu - a blend of social satire, mime and comedy
Koothu, also called Chakyar Koothu is another wonderful art of Kerala. It is considerd as one of the oldest of theatrical arts peculiar to Kerala and the traditional equivalent of a stand-up comic act. However, unlike the stand-up comics, the performer has a wider leeway, that can heckle the audience.
Koothu means dance, which is a misnomer, since there is minimal choreography involved in the art form; facial expressions are important, though. Traditionally, it was performed inside a Hindu temple and the performer begins with a prayer to the deity of the temple. He then goes on to narrate a verse in Sanskrit before explaining it in the vernacular language, Malayalam. The narration that follows covers various current events and social factors with great wit and humor.
The Koothu is very much dominated by the comic element. Impersonated through mime and gesture and interspersed with occasional dances, the narrative art of the Chakyar is essentially dramatic. Humorous, witty analogies and allusions to topical, political and social events are brought in during the narration and the dancer gets ample facilities for criticizing men and things of local interest. Seldom does he miss an opportunity to make comic comments on contemporary life and society. He ridicules the follies and foibles of the age with impunity.
Only two instruments accompany the performance - mizhav (a big copper drum played as an accompanying percussion instrument) and a pair of cymbals
Ottamthullal
Ottamthullal is another popular performing art from Kerala, Also known as the poor mans Kathakali, Ottamthullal was created by the Malayali poet Kunchan Nambiar, as an alternative to the Chakyar koothu. This was formed in protest against the prevalent socio-political structure and prejudices of the region. In Ottamthullal, a single actor wears colorful costumes, while reciting thullal (dance songs) and acting and dancing all the while.
