Kochi: Renaissance, the art and culture research organization of Sree Sankara Arts and Science College, Kalady, has readied a docufiction titled ‘Theeppathi’ which throws light on Theyyam, the art form and ritual that is part of the lore and life of North Malabar. A total of 10 types of Theyyams are featured in the docufiction. BSc Microbiology third year student at the college, Maneesha Madhavan, has directed the docufiction which unravels the green room, stage and artistes of Theyyam. Special focus is laid on the special form called ‘Theetheyyam’, that is dominated by fire.
It took two years for the student team to train the camera on staging of different types of Theyyam during the season which starts in the Malayalam month of Thulam 10. Mani BT has done the cinematography and editing while Dibin K Dharmendran has done the title design. The venture has already attracted attention as Theyyam which belongs to North Malabar, is being explored in depth by students of a campus situated in Central Kerala.
“We centred our locations mainly in Kanhangad, Kasargod and Payyannur and travelled extensively. We did thorough research before embarking on this venture. The 10 theyyams that are featured in the docufiction are Kandanar Kelan, Kathivanoor Veeran, Agnikanda Karnan, Puthiya Bhagavathy, Theechamundi, Pulli Bhagavathy, Pottan Theyyam, Muchilottu Bhagavathy, Padarkulan- gara Bhagavathy and Chooliyar Bhagavathy. This is the 19th venture of Renaissance which is entering its 15th year of its existence,” said Maneesha Madhavan. The first show of the docufiction will be held at the Mamangam Auditiorium of Karnival Theatre at Angamaly at 10 am on Wednesday. Sankara College principal Dr K A Ajith Kumar will inaugurate the show.
