Making a case of cooperation between Machines and Tradition
Machines might have taken a toll on traditions in past but it is the first time in history of the ‘Tholpavakoothu’ shadow puppetry of Kerala when a young puppeteer, Sajeesh Pulavar put a dazzling show with automated leather puppets.
Growing up watching the ochre shadows and dancing silhouettes of leather puppets on the white flimsy cloth-screen at ‘koothumadams’ (temple theatre), the thought of animating them with the help of robotics would have never come in his mind.
‘Tholpavakoothu’ is a form of shadow puppetry prevalent in the state which involves the theatre performance of leather puppets on the themes of the epics like Ramayana & Mahabharat. The light from the oil lamps creates arresting shadows of moving the puppets at these specially erected theatres.
The three-minute performance of the automated puppets garnered huge admiration from cultural buffs and common people after it was put on display at the District Heritage Museum here recently. With many awards to his credit, Sajeesh has staged hundreds of programmes in the country and abroad during his 22-year-long association with the art form.
For Sajeesh, the robotic automation of leather puppets is one of the distinct attempts for the revival and preservation of the ancient art form from not becoming extinct.
Many other artists like Sajeesh are making all efforts to take the art form of the boundaries of the temples and experimenting in different formats to command public attention.
Apart from the robotic application, Sajeesh who comes from the very family immersed in this tradition is attempting a host of innovations ranging from the presentation of classical poetry and government’s awareness programmes to ‘save-the-date wedding invitations in the format of the ‘tholpavakoothu’ to preserve it.
The idea of automating puppets was conceived first in 2015 but was shoved under the carpet considering its huge expense. But, when temples had been closed and programmes cancelled due to the COVID spread, the plan was revived again.
Cover image from PTI Photo
