Kasargod District - ART -Theyyam

PERFORMANCE
The Theyyam dance is generally performed in front of the village shrines and Tharavadu House, (Joint family House) as ancestor worship with elaborate rites and rituals. There is no stage or curtain and it is performed in an open theatre. A performance of a particular deity according to its significance and hierarchy in the shrine continues for 12 to 24 hours with intervals. The Chief dancer who propitiates the central deity of the shrine has to reside in the the aniyara( green room) and observe vegetarianism, fasting etc. as a part of rituals. Further, after the sunset, this particular dancer would not eat anything as a legacy of Jainism. His make up is done by specialist and others. First part of the performance is usually known as `Thottam’ or `Vellattam’. It is performed in the night without proper make up or decorative costume. Only a small red head dress is worn on this occasion. The dancer along with the drummers recites the particular ritual song which describes the myths and legends of the particular deity. After finishing this primary ritualistic part of the invocation., the dancer returns to the Aniyara( green room). After the interval, he appears with proper make up and costumes and with face painting. There are different types of face painting for which primarily and secondary colours are used. It had effected certain stylization also. Then the dancer comes in front of the shrine or sthanam, and gradually metamorphises’ as the particular deity of shine. After observation of certain rituals, the helpers places the head dress on his head and then dances. In the background folk musical instruments like chenda, Tuti, Kuzhal and Veekni are played with rhythm. All dancers take a shield and sword in their hands as continuation of the cult of weapon. Then the dancer circumambulates the shrine, runs in the courtyard and dances. The Theyyam dance has different steps known as “Kalasams”. Each Kalasam is repeated systematically from first to eight system of footwork. A performance is a combination of plying of musical instruments, vocal recitation, dance and strange make up and costumes. The stage practice of Theyyam and its ritualistic observations make it one of the fascination theatrical arts of India especially in northern Kerala.

MEANING AND SOCIAL CONTENT
As a sacred theatre followed with elaborate rituals the Theyyam performance has a difficult meaning and social content entirely different from other theatrical forms. The village shrines groves and cult spots are maintained by the caste councils or village elders for bringing prosperity to the village. In such places the village Goddess or Bhagavathis named after that particular locality are propitiated as an ancient practice. The Theyyam festival of that particular shrine has a meaning and purpose. The elaborate rituals observed in these shrines including the preparation of the Kalan or square are intended for blessing of the super nature. Along with the Kalan or square an earthen decorated vessel with areca flowers containing toddy is placed on a platform. It symbolises the womb of Mother Goddesses. It is the significant aspect of the fertility cult. Offerings of cereals, cock blood, red flowers, etc are made in front of the Kalasam or Kalan., These rituals are responsible as being believed for the blessings of the super nature for prosperity in men and women, cattle and wealth. The dancer throws rice on the audience and distributes turmeric powder as symbols of blessings. Turmeric powder has high medicinal value, against small pox, etc.

The entire village folk attend the Theyyam festival in the village shrines and the members of Tharavadu and relatives attend the Theyyam festivals in their Tharavadus. Some of the grand theyyam festivals (Kaliyattoms) of the Vaniya caste, Thiyya caste and Maniyani caste are followed by the common feast for the entire devotees from the cult centre itself such feasts in favour of the Mother Goddesses and Kaliyattam take place one in 5 years or 25 years. Different castes and communities participate in such festivals.

They share the expenditure by way of donation. Compulsory levy is also imposed up on the members of the particular caste who own the shrine and offerings made by the devotees. The elders settle major disputes and caste conflicts during Theyyam festival. It was an effective way of administration of justice in the medieval period and even continued in the days of British administration.

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