Thullal In Kerala

Thullal is a solo performance combining the dance and recitation of stories in verse. Staged during temple festivals, the performer explicates the verses through expressive gestures.

The themes are based on Indian mythology. This satiric art form was introduced in the18th century by the renowned poet Kunchan Nambiar. Humour, satire and social criticism are the hallmarks of Thullal.

The Thullal dancer is supported by a singer who repeats the verses and is accompanied by an orchestra of mridangam or thoppi maddalam (percussions) and cymbals.

There are three related forms of Thullal - Ottanthullal, Seethankanthullal and Parayanthullal - of which the first is the most popular. The three are distinguished by the costumes worn the performer and the length of the verses.