South Indian shadow theatre “tolpava koothu”: tradition and modernity
There are three types of puppet theatre on the territory of the southern Indian state Kerala: glove puppet theatre “pavakathakali”, marionette theatre “nulpavakoothu” and flat leather puppet theater “tolpava koothu”. The article deals with distinctive features of “tolpava koothu” theatre and its role in social and religious life of Kerala.Performances of shadow theatre “tolpava koothu” (“the play of leather figures”) dedicated to the mother goddess in its different manifestations, are held on a specially designed stage before shrines and tell about the life of Prince Rama from his birth to coronation. Puppets, made of leather, are controlled by thin sticks. For presentation use about 160 puppets height from 48 to 80 cm: sitting, standing, moving, fighting characters, as well as details depicting nature, battle scenes, etc. The scene is lit by 21 lamp, made of a half of coconut, and filled with coconut oil. The performance is accompanied by playing musical instruments: drums, cymbals, pipes, sinks. The Indian theatre of plane figures of Kerala has a direct relationship with religious ritual. It is a source of information about the peculiarities of the regional culture and religion, and occupies an important place among the oldest forms of Indian art.