Latest news with #Tholpavakoothu
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Tholpavakoothu finds new voice against addiction
PALAKKAD: In the dim glow behind a white screen, leather puppets dance to ancient rhythms. Their gestures are precise, their shadows vivid, and their story - startlingly modern. This is not the tale of Rama and Ravana, as traditionally told. This is the story of a teenager battling addiction. This is Tholpavakoothu for today's world. The centuries-old ritualistic art form of Tholpavakoothu, once confined to the sacred koothumadams (mandapams) of Devi temples in Kerala, has found a powerful new purpose. No longer just a retelling of epics, it is now becoming a poignant messenger in the fight against substance abuse. Traditionally performed during temple festivals, Tholpavakoothu (literally, leather puppet play) is known for its intricately crafted leather puppets, elaborate storytelling, and hypnotic musical rhythms. Performances often stretch over three, with puppeteers narrating the Ramayana in a blend of Malayalam, Tamil and Sanskrit. But today, this ancient form is stepping out of temples and into public spaces - schools, colleges, and community halls - carrying with it stories that resonate deeply with the present. This transformation has been spearheaded by Rajeev Pulavar, a noted puppeteer and son of Padma Shri Ramachandra Pulavar - one of India's most revered Tholpavakoothu artists. 'The shift from mythological to social themes wasn't accidental,' he says. 'It was a response to what we saw around us - young lives destroyed by alcohol and drugs. We realised that if we wanted to save our art, we also have to save our people.' Rajeev developed an original story centred on a teenager caught in the spiral of addiction. Alongside he boy's personal downfall, the narrative also traces the emotional trauma faced by his family. Since its debut on June 22, the performance has been staged more than 30 times across Thrissur, Ernakulam, and Alappuzha. 'The reception has been overwhelming,' says Rajeev. 'Young audiences especially were deeply moved. They see themselves or someone they know in the characters.'
The Hindu
28-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
‘Beyond Tomorrow' meet moots creative incubator to explore new avenues
'Beyond Tomorrow', a conference organised by the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) here on Saturday (June 28, 2025), proposed the setting up of an incubator for the creative community in the unorganised sector with an aim to explore new opportunities in the creative sector and drive innovation in ways that foster sustainable growth. Speakers at the conference, which was organised in association with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the Arts Outreach Society (TAOS), observed that the country was having 30 lakh people employed in various economic activities involving talent and skill. Sanjay Kaul, joint Secretary at the Ministry of Culture who opened the event, pointed out that the Central government had already set up a national creative work database to nurture the creative sector. He said the aim was to create a network of opportunities in the sector. KSUM Chief Executive Officer Anoop Ambika said the Beyond Tomorrow conference was aimed to announce its full support to the unorganised community that had been handling the creative part in the digital sector. 'Also, it would strive to lend sustainable economic growth to the AI revolutions,' he added. Sanjoy K. Roy, FICCI Tourism and Cultural Committee C-Chair, pointed out that literary conferences were found contributing 'hugely' to the economy, like any other sector. He observed that Kozhikode would be able to tap its potential as a venue for such events in the State. Mayor Beena Philip and former Chief Secretary V. Venu were among the key speakers at the inaugural ceremony, which was followed by a series of interactive sessions led by stakeholders from different creative sectors. A 'Tholpavakoothu' show by shadow-puppeteer Ramachandran Pulavar and his son Rajeev was also staged on the occasion.
The Hindu
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
A ‘place' under the sun for folk arts
When you step inside IDAM, an art and cultural space in the middle of busy Kodambakkam, you will find out it is more than just a place, even though 'Idam' literally means place when translated. Inside, rural Tamil Nadu comes alive with folk art forms from Thappattam, Devarattam, Oyilattam, Bomallattam to Tholpavakoothu, apart from general open mics and theatre workshops. But what makes the space stand out is that it does not stop at showcasing these performances but invites Chennaiites to step into the venue as students of the traditional arts. Founded by actor Vetri MV, IDAM is the result of years of groundwork. Since 2017, Vetri has been conducting acting, theatre and art workshops across colleges. But a couple of years ago, he felt the need for a dedicated space for the urban crowd to get in touch with folk heritage. It is not necessarily folk instrument classes, children who attend events here often leave with folk tales and stories from traditional storytellers. 'The main purpose of starting our art and cultural space was simple. It is to connect the folk artists and general public,' says Vetri. 'Most people who live in the city are not always aware of the folk art instruments or dances. So, IDAM became a space for education as much as celebration.' Interestingly, it was not cinema that introduced the actor to folk art, it was theatre. His journey as a theatre artist performing and directing across Tamil Nadu made him give importance to folk forms and their unsung masters, many of whom now take the stage at IDAM. One such artist is Gramiya Kalaimani Nellai Manikandan, a recipient of the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar. A passionate teacher, he lights up as he talks about training young, urban audiences in forms such as Devarattam. 'When I train people living in the city in folk art forms such as Devarattam, they should first know about the art form, so that is how I start. They are really interested in knowing it, but they do not know where to learn it from,' says Nellai Manikandan, commenting on how a lot of them are glued to screens all day, phones, laptops, TV, you name it! And now, they are hungry for something rooted and old-school. 'Every time I teach a class at IDAM, it turns into a new experience for me itself. On one hand, there are students who come with no prior exposure to dance or any art form, just curiosity and eagerness to learn. On the other, in a group of 20, you might find 15 trained classical dancers looking to explore folk dance and music,' says the folk art teacher. Vetri says the undertones of inquisitiveness has been pulling urban crowds towards folk art as there is an increased turnout. He admits it would not have been the same a decade ago. 'Initially, creating the space exclusively for artforms was a challenge in the city, but we have been successfully sustaining it,' says the founder. In 2025, engineers, designers, copywriters and other professionals are travelling to cultural centres of this kind located as far away as Coimbatore to attend the three-hour or day-long workshops. The space is also gearing up for something new. 'We are starting a full-time three-month course consisting of Thappattam, Devarattam and Oyilattam taught by three different masters which is starting from July, shares Vetri. Alongside, a theatre and acting course is also in the works, which is open to anyone with curiosity!
