Kattaikkuttu

Viac o knihe

This book provides a comprehensive introduction to Kattaikkuttu (or Terukkuttu), a dynamic outdoor Tamil theatre tradition characterized by its heroic male kattai characters. It delves into the theatre's history, social status, and ritual context, while examining the production of all-night plays. By situating Kattaikkuttu within the broader landscape of Indian performing arts, the author engages with debates surrounding the form and outlines its performance elements. The text discusses Kattaikkuttu's evolving performance spaces, highlighting its transition to a more professional genre and the inclusion of diverse castes and women. The book also details the production frameworks of all-night performances, using the Mahabharata play Karna Moksam as a case study, and addresses recent shifts in the Kattaikkuttu repertory. Additionally, it explores the performer's role, covering the training of novices, the performance scores that guide actor-singers, and the interpretive agency of seasoned performers. Innovations in the field are highlighted, particularly through director and playwright P. Rajagopal's adaptation of the Mahabharata play Dice and Disrobing, which examines gender issues and genre boundaries. The study concludes by reflecting on Kattaikkuttu's current status from the perspectives of its performers and enthusiasts, considering the reasons for its enduring appeal.