Gum Gum the Funamagical Clown!

During the sixteenth century, Tamil Nadu had taken its arts and culture to pristine heights. It was during this time that many folk arts became theatrical traditions. Tamil Iyal(literature), gave birth to the beautiful adornment of Isai (music), this was further manifested in the form of Nadagam(drama). From this mode of Nadagam, we see the emergence of many art forms, of which we will focus on the Thol Pavai Koothu or shadow puppetry, which literally means, dance of the skin dolls.

Man has the instinct to entertain, and be entertained, thus folk art provides a medium to nurture, and nourish this instinct. Thol Pavai Koothu, has been a fascination, as well as an artistic implement to teach, and to entertain. This art had been developed in the south of India, extending its influence from as far as Andhra Pradesh to Thanjavur, where it still thrives today. The puppets are made of the skins of buffaloes, deer, or goats. The process of making them is fascinating. The skins are soaked in a salt solution, and then rubbed down to obtain a parchment consistency. This is then dried and cut into various characters. The puppets are then painted with vegetable dyes, and then punched with intricate filigree patterns. It is then mounted on bamboo rods, which allow for efficient manipulation behind a screen, which is made up of a single white cloth, and oil lamps which are suspended from behind to create the shadows.

Demons, and gods, fight in energetic passion, whilst star crossed lovers woo each other in ecstasy,. The puppets come to life with the pulsating throb of the mirudangam, pambai or udakkai (traditional folk drums). This is accompanied by folk style singing, carrying the audience into dizzying heights, of suspense and intrigue. The themes of Thol Pavai Koothu, focus on the religious epics, with a strong moral message. The famous play in India is King Harichandra, and his acts of virtue. The Ramayanam also features, with an emphasis on the triumphant battle of good over evil.

The cinematic medium, however is like a cancerous disease, slowly eating away, at its popularity, and growth. Thol Pavai koothu, stimulates the imagination, giving place for creative thought and understanding, which can never be replaced by the flat dimension of cinema and television. Folk art is integral in understanding a people and its culture, hence Thol Pavai Koothu should be revived, rekindling the shadows of Nadagam. It is hoped, that there will be a revival of this old tradition amongst the South Indian people of South Africa. Social, as well as cultural issues, can be addressed via this medium.

Adrian Naidoo of Queensburgh, Durban, has conducted research in this field, and is currently setting up performances in these ancient traditions. Currently they are well received at schools, and libraries, as part of the arts, and culture subjects.