Tribal theatre has long been an integral part of Kerala’s rich cultural heritage, but many indigenous art forms have faded into obscurity over time. Among them, Lavakusha Kooth and Harischandra Kooth, once vibrant theatrical traditions of the Irula tribal communities in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, had all but disappeared. However, thanks to the tireless efforts of Dr. V. Jayarajan, Chairman of the Advisory Board and Director of Culture Masters, these forgotten theatre forms have been revived and brought back to the cultural mainstream.

A Mission to Revive Lost Theatre

During a visit to Attappady two months ago, Dr. Jayarajan discovered that Lavakusha Kooth and Harischandra Kooth had not been performed for decades. Once central to the social and religious fabric of the Irula communities, these theatrical forms were no longer practiced, and no living artists who could perform them remained. Recognizing the situation's urgency, Dr. Jayarajan took decisive action, launching a revival project with the support of tribal leaders (Ooru Moopans), local educators, and cultural enthusiasts.

Mr. James Polakkadan, Headmaster of APJ Abdul Kalam School, played a crucial role in tracing former actors from tribal settlements, ensuring that their invaluable knowledge was preserved. Mrs. Uma Preman, Director of APJ Tribal School, extended full support by arranging the grand revival performance on World Theatre Day 2024. The financial assistance provided by Dorf Ketal Chemicals under its CSR initiative further facilitated the project, covering training and performance costs.

Harischandra Kooth: A Theatrical Treasure Rediscovered

Harischandra Kooth is a folk drama that narrates the story of King Harischandra, known for his unwavering commitment to truth and righteousness. This theatre form, deeply embedded in tribal storytelling traditions, involves 13 key characters:

◆ Vinayaka

◆ Pappa

◆ Komali

◆ Nadanappennu

◆ Mohini

◆ Kattiyakkaran

◆ Harischandran

◆ Chandramathi

◆ Lohithakshan

◆ Nakshathran

◆ Kalakandan

◆ Veerabahu

The performance is accompanied by vocalists, Mridangam players, harmonium players, and a cymbal player, creating an immersive theatrical experience. The last recorded performance of Harischandra Kooth took place in 1982, making its return after more than four decades a momentous occasion. With the guidance of Murugan Moopan and the vocal expertise of singer Nanjan Moopan, this revival became a cultural landmark, reconnecting the tribal community with its artistic roots.

Harischandra Kooth performance

Lavakusha Kooth: The Grand Resurrection

Lavakusha Kooth, another spectacular tribal drama, had been lost for several decades. This performance, based on the legendary tale of Lava and Kusha, the sons of Lord Rama, required more than 22 artists, including actors and singers. The knowledge of this theatre form had been preserved solely by Ponnan Moopan, an 85-year-old tribal elder. With his expertise and the assistance of the tribal leaders, Folkland successfully reconstructed the performance.

During the training phase, Lavakusha Kooth was performed at a Lord Shiva temple during the Sivaratri festival. This was a deeply emotional moment for the tribal community, as they witnessed the enactment of a drama that had not been staged in their lifetimes. The performance on World Theatre Day solidified its revival, marking a significant milestone in preserving Indigenous theatre.

Lavakusha Kooth performance

Lavakusha Kooth performance

Honoring the Custodians of Culture

On March 27, 2025, during the World Theatre Day celebrations, Folkland honored Ponnan Moopan, Murugan Moopan, and other key performers by draping them in traditional shawls. This gesture of gratitude recognized their invaluable contributions in keeping these theatrical traditions alive. The revival of these two lost theatre forms is not just a victory for the tribal community but also for cultural enthusiasts and scholars who now have two more indigenous dramas to document and promote.

Honoring the Custodian

A Legacy Restored

Thanks to the unwavering commitment of Dr. V. Jayarajan and the collective efforts of tribal leaders, educators, and cultural organizations, Lavakusha Kooth and Harischandra Kooth have been successfully rejuvenated. These performances are now an integral part of Kerala’s cultural heritage once again, ensuring that future generations can witness and appreciate the rich theatrical traditions of the Irula tribes.

This revival is a testament to the power of cultural preservation and the role that dedicated individuals and organizations can play in safeguarding the intangible heritage of Indigenous communities. The success of this initiative will serve as an inspiration for further efforts to rediscover and protect other fading art forms across India.

Dr. V Jayarajan with the artists