Chakyar Koothu is a performance art from Kerala, India. It is a type of highly refined monologue where the performer narrates episodes from Hindu epics (such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata) and stories from Indian mythology. However, it can also be a traditional equivalent of the modern stand-up comedy act where the performer incorporates commentary on current socio-political events and personal comments directed at the members of the audience.
“Koothu” means dance and this was performed by members of the Chakyar community. But this dance performance requires minimal choreography and has lots of facial expressions.
It is a solo performance, by a narrator in distinctive headgear and black mustache with his torso smeared with sandalwood paste and red dots all over the body. The headgear resembles a snake's hood, to symbolize the narration by Anantha, the thousand-headed serpent.
The Chakyar(the performer) narrates the story based on the Sanskrit style of "Champu Prabandha" - a mixture of prose and poetry. He begins with a prayer to the deity of the temple. He then goes on to narrate a verse in Sanskrit before explaining it in Malayalam. The narration uses wit and humor to draw parallels with current events and local situations.
This art form became famous because of Padma Shri Mani Madhava Chakyar. He ensured to bring this art form outside the temples to the common people. He was the first to perform Chakyar Koothu for All India Radio and Doordarshan.
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