- published: 26 Sep 2015
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Koothu (Tamil: கூத்து), and alternatively spelt as kuttumeans dance or performance. In Tamil language, it is a folk art originated from the early Tamil country. But more precisely Koothu refers Therukoothu (Tamil:தெருக்கூத்து) that is street dance or street play since it will be performed in the village squares. At early age the art of entertainment reached its peak in Tamil country. Mentioned in the Sangam literatures about the development of iyal (literature), isai (music) and natagam (drama). More than entertainment therukoothu educates the rural people about religion and their history.
Koothu is an informal dance structure, the performances generally depict scenes from ancient epics like Ramayana, Mahabharatha and Tamil classical epics. There will be no dialogues instead only songs. Artists are trained to sing in their own voice and in a high pitch to reach entire crowd, since no technology available that time. The artists dressed up with complex heavy costumes and have a very bright elaborated makeup. They put on high towering head dress, sparkling shoulder plates and wide colorful skirts. Usually the whole trope will be played by males, even female characters also be performed by males.