At the forefront of movement-based theatre.

Pottan Theyyam

PERFORMANCES

Dweeb Productions

Dweeb is currently accepting submissions for theyyam performances as part of its US tour in 2005/6. Interested parties should contact the Artistic Director, Jon Whittle, at jonathw@yahoo.com

The following types of performance are being offered. Each performance may involve 1-10 different types of theyyam and accompanying musicians (5-10 people total).

· Indoor performances. We can accommodate most stage sizes and technical specifications. Depending on the stage area, different theyyams can be performed. See below for the theyyams that are being offered.

· Outdoor performances offer the chance to see theyyam at its authentic best. Outdoor performances can be staged at night and, with the required permits, can include various “fire theyyams” in which performers walk over hot coals, throw themselves on fire etc.

· Festival performances. We are also available to perform as part of major festivals.

 

Theyyams available for performance include:

· Veeran: there are many forms of Veeran theyyam, but Veeran is always a warrior. This theyyam is also a form of ancestor worship as each type of Veeran typically tells the story of a hero warrior from generations ago. Performances of Veeran theyyam are characterized by energetic movements, scary expressions and sometimes even fighting between multiple Veerans. Kalariveeran is a form of this theyyam that performs the ancient martial art from Kerala called kalaripayattu.

· Gulikan: although it is not entirely clear where the name Gulikan comes from, it is generally accepted that Gulikan is a local form of the Hindu god of death, called Yama in Hindu scriptures. Gulikan is known as Lord Siva’s most important warrior. Gulikan’s dance steps are some of the most intricate and interesting of all theyyams. There is a story that says that everyone, even the gods, is afraid even to look at Gulikan. On one occasion, Siva was walking with his consort Parvati who expressed to Siva her fear of looking at Gulikan. In a rage, Siva turned to Gulikan and threw him to the ground. This is sometimes enacted during the performance of a Gulikan theyyam. Spectators at villages in Kerala often express the same kind of fear as Parvati when faced with Gulikan theyyam.

· Kantakarna is another warrior of Siva. In costume and dance steps, Kantakarna is similar to Gulikan, but does not instill quite the same sense of fear as his counterpart.

· Bali is the well-known monkey god from the Hindu epic, the Ramayana. Bali was the brother of the monkey king Sugriva who stole his brother’s wife and took her off to his own kingdom. In return for Sugriva’s help in the search for Rama’s kidnapped lover Sita, Rama defeated Bali in battle. Bali theyyam is one of the most entertaining theyyam performances. With his red and white costume and his long curved monkey tail, Bali theyyam prances around the audience, playing tricks on his spectators and entertaining children and parents alike.

· Muthappan is perhaps the most popular local god in the Kannur district of North Kerala. Other theyyams are seasonal (the season lasting October to May), but Muthappan theyyam is performed year round. Muthappan is also the theyyam performed in the famous Parassinikadavu temple that lies a few kilometers north of Kannur town. The story of Muthappan is as follows. As a boy, Muthappan was rebellious. He was a great hunter and would skin the animals that he killed and wear their skins as clothes. One day, he came across a coconut tree that was being tapped for toddy, the Kerala liquor fermented from coconut sap. He climbed the tree and emptied the jar that was holding the toddy. When the toddy tapper returned and saw Muthappan, he immediately challenged him. Muthappan turned the man to stone for daring to address such a powerful god in this manner. During performances of Muthappan theyyam, the performer consumes the toddy liquor and passes it around to the spectators. Hence, Muthappan “breaks” the temple rules by allowing alcohol into temple grounds.

· Thai Paradevatha is a form of Kali, created to kill the evil demon Dariga. Thai Paradevatha wears a tall headdress that can be as high as a coconut tree. 

VeeranTheyyam

Gulikan Theyyam

Bali Theyyam

Thai Paradevatha