Theyyam

Theyyam is a ritual of dance, music and worship performed in northern Malabar, Kerala. There are a variety of ‘theyyams’ depending on the particular village or temple that the ritual is connected with. This book, in partnership with Stark Publishers, documents a few of the 400 odd variations while also looking into the socio-cultural background of the communities associated with the ritual. The art and preparations, the elaborate make-up, costumes and decorations are as integral to the ritual and are of as much interest as the final day’s performance itself.

In an attempt to capture the vibrant movements of the performances, photographs are sequenced to show time, space and motion transitions. The design attempts to enapsulate visually all the sensations of ‘being there’, freezing an iconic moment or a particularly striking posture through one dominant image. Spreads show the village grounds where performances take place highlighting audiences and patrons and also political and commercial displays. These displays are key to the ambience and influence the manner in which these rituals are performed and seen today.

Scope

Team