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Reviving `therukoothu'

Forms get a reprieve in the hands of youth, writes S.S.KAVITHA

PHOTO: G. MOORTHY

JUBILANT New life to an old art

The spirits of both the audience and performers of `therukoothu' soared high at the Pasumalai Hills perhaps indicating that `koothu' has the potential for revival.

As torchbearers of a traditional art form, students of Government Music College hid their jeans and T-shirts under broad colourful skirts, towering head dress, sparkling shoulder plates, elaborate make ups and not only led the audience into a world of mythology but also gave the rare art form a fresh lease of life.

After a 10-day workshop held at the music college, 45 trained students performed a scintillating performance on `Abimanyu-Sundari Kalyanam' and `Aravanan Bali,' episodes from the Great Tamil Epic Mahabharatha.

T. Ramesh Prabha, playing the role of Duroyodhanan, sums up aptly: "People have endeared themselves to cinema, which mars a child's character. `Therukoothu' is an ancient art form, which has manifested as several other forms like drama.

It is consoling to see that the traditional folk art form still has strong roots at least in northern part of Tamil Nadu."

`Kathakali' has originated from `therukoothu,' claims Ramesh Prabha, adding that it is evident from `oppanai' (make ups) done in both art forms.

"Though we show respect to old traditions but they have been relegated to backburners. Red carpet is now spread for the technology-dominating cinema," he says, urging every interested person to give it a shot.

"It is all about trying. Loud voices and flexibility are always advantageous but these things can be nurtured by continuous practice."

A.S. Kandiban says that he was always interested in folk theatre and the training has motivated him to learn the art form further.

His friend M. Vellaichamy describes it as a "new experience".

"I found it difficult in the beginning. But after training, rehearsals and rigorous practice I am here on the stage ready to deliver dialogues," says M. Tamilselvan and adds that "we are very fortunate to learn the art from its traditional performers. They are so happy to see youth performing it." P. John Jeya Singh is of the opinion that `therukoothu' and other traditional art forms should be organised at least during temple festivals instead of the light music shows based on popular numbers. As many as eight `therukoothu' folk art players of Sri Bhavani Amman Nadaga Mandram Kattai Koothu from Kancheepuram descended on the scene to impart training to students in various aspects including gait, dialogue delivery and right movements.

M. Sekar one of the traditional players says that it was an interesting experience for him to teach students, who are more enthusiastic and receptive.

"It is incorrect to say youth pay scant attention to folk and traditional arts. The bare fact is that they are not aware of it as elders fail to introduce and teach them," says A. Sanjeevi, another player.

Unique

`Therukoothu' may appear simple and rustic but it has its uniqueness. Says R. Kasinathan: "Though a traditional art make-up plays an important role, different colours are used depending on the character. For instance, Duryodhana and Dushasana are painted black and red while Arjuna is done in blue and Bheema in green. Makeup involves hours of work with intrigue designs and colours. Another feature is artists themselves introduce their roles in the form of songs."

`Kaisilambam'

Raja Nidhi, who taught `kaisilambam' to students, says that it is a medium through which sacred powers are invoked especially during Draupadi Amman festival.

`Kaisilambam' performers narrate parts of the epics Mahabharatha or Ramayana during the daytime of the festival while `therukoothu' performers enact the story during night and continue till sunrise.

Raja Nidhi reveals how he has started using `kaisilambam' to create awareness on various issues like eco programmes, AIDS etc.

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