THRISSUR: Support is growing for the long-pending demand to open the koothambalams (temple theatres designed for staging Chakiar Koothu, Nangiar Koothu and Koodiyattam) for all performers, transcending the caste barriers.
At present, artists from some communities Chakiars, Nangiars and Nambiars (for percussion) have been vested with the exclusive hereditary right to perform in most of the koothambalams, which are an architectural marvel unique to Kerala.
These theatres have been specially designed for Koodiyattam and Koothu performances. The acoustics, light arrangements, space design all contribute to enhancing the brilliance of these art forms.
Renowned artists like Painkulam Ramachakiar had taken bold steps to showcase the performances by artists from different castes in the mid-1960s, said art critic K K Gopalakrishan.
“It is possible to enhance the artistic dimensions of these performances, without losing their ritualistic aspects if more artists are encouraged to perform in koothambalams. There have been situations where shortage of artists in the families, which have the hereditary rights, leading to cancellation of annual shows in the koothambalam of some temples,” said Koodiyattam performer Kalamandalam Jishnu Pratap.
Opening of koothambalam to all artists would woo more audiences also to those theatres, he added.
Nangiarkooth exponent Kapila Venu said the traditional performers have made dedicated efforts to preserve these centuries-old art forms. “But many performers, scholars, and art lovers have also made similar contributions in the post-Independent India, and it is important to recognize that we live in a casteless democratic society. In fact, nearly 75% of the artists in these fields now are from non-traditional communities,” she said.
Art critic George S Paul said it is a dream of Koothu and Koodiyattam artists to perform in the koothambalam, and caste considerations should not be a barrier for that.
Cochin devaswom board president Nandakumar said the board has decided to permit artists from all castes to perform in the Vadakkunnathan temple. “The artists from the traditional families will continue to enjoy their hereditary rights for ritualistic performances. Artists from other communities will be permitted to perform on other days, if they abide by the traditions and rituals associated with these art forms,” he said.
Irinjalakuda Koodalmanikkam devaswom chairman U Pradeep Menon said steps are being taken to allow artists from non-traditional communities at the temple koothambalam. Haripad Subramanya Swami temple had opened its koothambalam to performers of all castes earlier.
