The cultural wing of Student Life Council (SLC) hosted the SPIC MACAY – Tholpava koothu Shadow puppet theatre on 23 July performed by Shri K K Ramchandra Pulavar.
Tholpava koothu, the unique shadow puppet theatre form of Kerala is preserved as a family tradition by the Pulavars. Tholpava koothu, literally meaning ‘leather puppet play’, is a ritual art performed during the annual festivals in the Kaali temples of Palakkad district. The theme of the play is based on the Kamba Ramayana, narrated in a diction that is a mixture of Malayalam and Tamil dialectical variations. It is said to have originated in the 18th century and is also known as pavakoothu (puppet play) or nizhalattam (shadow play). This entertainment art is performed on a special stage called koothumadam in the temple courtyard. Puppets (pavakal), usually representing four characters from the Ramayana, are arranged behind a long white screen, in front of bright wick lamps. The puppets made of deer skin are made to dance to
songs from the Kamba Ramayana. Each puppet is of an average height of 80 cms and is cut out in different postures. The puppets are arranged behind a long white curtain stretched across the Koothumadom. Behind this, on a split bamboo pole, is placed a row of wick lamps burning inside coconut halves. The light from these lamps cast the silhouettes of the puppets on the curtain. The chief puppeteer is known as ‘Pulavan’.
Padma Shri recipient Shri K K Ramchandra Pulavar is the son of late Guru Shri K L Krishnan Kutty Pulavar who was a national awardee. He was born to a traditional family with a rich historical and cultural heritage. He studied Tholpavakoothu from his Guru and father from the age of six and mastered all aspects of the art form during his childhood. He is the 11th generation of Pulavars endowed with this unique talent. He has received national and international recognition for his work and is the recipient of the prestigious Sangeet Natak Academy National Award for 2015 from the President of India.
