An effort to revive an indigenous dance-drama of the Irula tribe

Reviving Ramar Koothu, a fading indigenous dance-drama in Kerala, through a workshop at A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Tribal Residential School.

A nine-day workshop has begun at the A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Tribal Residential School in Attappady to revive Ramar Koothu, an indigenous dance-drama that was once widely performed in the tribal villages of Palakkad but is on the verge of extinction now.

The workshop, which started last Tuesday, is being conducted under the auspice of the Folkland International Centre for Folklore and Culture.

Ramar Koothu, a ritualistic art of the Irula community, has been gradually fading due to the declining number of performers and the lack of audiences willing to engage with the six-to-eight-hour-long drama.

This traditional art form has its roots in the tribal settlements of Kerala where it has been performed for generations. Typically, the performances are held over seven nights, with each night dedicated to a specific segment of the Ramayana.

Ramar Koothu serves both as a source of entertainment and a medium for imparting moral and cultural values to the community. The performances are marked by a blend of narration, music, and dance, with artistes, often from the tribal communities, enacting various episodes from the Ramayana using traditional instruments and costumes. The show is in the Irular language, reflecting the rich linguistic heritage of the region.

Beyond entertainment, Ramar Koothu plays a vital role in preserving the cultural heritage of the tribal communities in Kerala. It fosters a sense of community and continuity, helping younger generations to connect with their ancestral traditions. The art form also serves as a platform for social commentary, highlighting the values and concerns of the community.

In an effort to preserve this tradition, experienced performers were identified and songs were collected with the support of the remaining masters of the art form. The workshop is being conducted under the guidance of Thanjavur-based theatre director Uthiri Vijayakumar. Twenty-two participants, including singers and makeup artistes, are taking part in this initiative.