Workshop: Traditional Indian Shadow Puppetry with Rahul and Rajeev

Tholpavakoothu

traditional shadow puppet making from Kerala

Learn about the traditional Kerala shaddow puppet art practise, and also follow a step-by-step demonstration of how to create the traditional shadow puppet for a particular character! Tholpava Koothu, the unique shadow puppet theatre form of Kerala, South India, is preserved as a family tradition by the Pulavars. It is an ancient peculiar ritualistic art form dedicated to Bhagavati, worshiped by the people of Kerala as the Mother Goddess. As a ritualistic art form, Tolpava Koothu is performed during the months of January to May at the especially constructed theatre called Koothu Madam in front of the Bhagavati temple. Thol Pavakoothu puppets are made of deer hide, puppets are coloured in different colours. The figures are drawn on the skin, cut out and embellished with dots, lines and holes. The arms of the puppets are provided with movable joints.  The expression on the faces of the puppets, we notice close resemblances between them and the figures in natural color paintings.