Chakyarkoothu - http://www.neelaearth.com
Chakyarkoothu is one of the oldest classical arts of Kerala. A fine blend of social satire, mime and comedy, the Chakyarkoothu is usually presented in the traditional temple theatre Koothambalam or Koothupura.
Today, you can witness a performance at venues like the Vadakkumnatha temple at Thrissur, Sri Krishna Swamy temple at Ambalappuzha , Kumaranalloor temple at Kottayam and Koodal Manickyam temple at Irinjalakkuda.
This solo performance by the Chakkiar (a community name for Koothu performers) who dons the role of the Vidushaka (jester) is accompanied by the Mizhavu - (a percussion instrument) and Ilathalam (cymbals). The performance begins with an invocation to the presiding deity of the temple. The narration is enlived with thandava (the cosmic dance of Lord Siva) dance movements, gestures and facial expressions according to the 2nd century B.C treatise on theatre, Natyasastra written by Sage Bharatha.
Through his inimitable narration of stories from the epics, the Chakkiar satirises the manners and customs of the time. No one is above the butt of his ridicule which varies from innocent mockery to veiled innuendoes, barbed puns and pungent invectives.
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