Therukoothu
AI-drafted · awaiting admin review
Street theatre of northern Tamil Nadu that tells stories from the Mahabharata through song, dance and dialogue through the night.
Folk theatreWhere: Northern Tamil Nadu (Tiruvannamalai, Kanchipuram, Vellore and nearby districts)Occasion: Draupadi Amman temple festivals and village festivals, usually in summer
| Performed by | Traditionally all-male troupes, with men playing women's roles |
|---|---|
| Costume | Heavy painted make-up, tall wooden headdresses, shoulder ornaments and wide skirts that make the characters look larger than life |
| Music and instruments | Harmonium, mukhaveenai (a small reed pipe), mridangam and cymbals; the actors sing their own lines |
How it is performed
- Performances are held in an open space, often at a crossroads or in front of the temple, and run from night until dawn.
- A Kattiyakaran (narrator and clown) introduces each character and links the scenes with humour.
- Actors enter from behind a curtain held by two helpers, then sing, dance and speak their parts.
- Cycles of plays from the Mahabharata, such as stories of Draupadi and the Pandavas, are performed over several nights.
Significance
Therukoothu ('street play') brings epic stories to villagers and is part of the worship of Draupadi Amman. It has also inspired modern Tamil theatre.