A street theatre art form is Therukoothu enacted in almost all villages of Tamil Nadu. An art which includes mime, dialogues, songs, music and instruments, all at one stage is something unique attracting large number of audience whenever played prior to any religious, social or political events happening in the concerned regions.

Therukkothu involves enacting of scenes from the great Indian epics of Ramayana and Mahabharatha with suitable themes and costumes. The director of the entire show is called Kattiyakara and he leads the show from scene by scene.

The classical lokadharmi, the realistic theatre art form relating to worldly behaviours of human beings with natural presentations, is used in Therukoothu which is indeed an interesting vertical to explore further. The musical notes involved in the shows uses popular Carnatic Ragas and various instruments like drums, cymbals and pipes are used during the show.

The headgears, mask, ornaments, jackets, lower garments all are with vivid colors depicting the uniqueness. Komali a peculiar character in this Therukoothu form who enacts the role of a comedian and most of the times, the character satirically expresses the socio, economical, and political issues along with the usual dialogues, which are most of the times extempore.

Cultural history of Tamil country since ancient times is unfolding in front of your eyes layer by layer when the artistes conduct Therukoothu, taking you through the historic periods of Mahabharatha and its interesting scenes.

Normally, a group of 15 to 20 people constitute a session on Therukoothu. Kattiakkaran, the lead of the session announces the commencement a and an elephant masked dancer performs with religious rituals offered to Lord Ganesha. The Kattiakkaran remains in the acting square throughout the show. Usually, the show begins with a King’s court scene and all the characters are introduced from someone standing behind the hand-held curtain.

Try to spare some time to watch this Therukoothu if you happen to be in any of the villages during your tour to Tamil Nadu this time.