In news– Ottanthullal a traditional art form of Kerala that has a history of over 300.
About Ottanthullal-
- Ottanthullal (or Thullal, in short) is recite-and-dance art-form of Kerala that is famous for its humour and social satire, and marked by its simplicity as opposed to more complex dance-forms like Kathakali and Koodiyattam.
- The word Thullal means “to jump” or “leap about” in the Malayalam language.
- It was introduced in the eighteenth century by Kunchan Nambiar, one of the Prachina Kavithrayam (three famous Malayalam-language poets).
- There are three varieties of this dance form namely, Ottanthullal, Seethankan and Parayan Thullal, but Ottanthullal dominates out of these.
- The folksy performance, often laced with humour intended at criticism of society, is accompanied by a mridangam and/or the handy idakka besides a pair of ilathalam cymbals.
- Like most Indian performing art forms, Ottamthullal has its principles influenced by the Natya Shastra.
- In Ottamthullal, a solo performer, with green makeup and a colourful costume (decorated with a long red and white band and painted wooden ornaments), acts and dances while reciting dance (Thullal) (lyrics).
- A chorus or one or more artists repeats each sentence as it is completed.
Source: The Hindu
