Shadow Puppetry
Leather puppets used for the ethnic shadow plays are exhibited in our reception foyer. On occasions we stage Tholppavakkoothu (shadow play in leather puppet). It is an indigenous art and at the same time a ritualistic worship performed at Bhagavathi/Bhadrakali Temples. Story of Ramayana is presented periodically in specially built play houses called Koothumadam. Puppets of the characters are cut out from fine leather. The skin is cleaned and dried and the outline of the puppet is drawn on it. By chiseling and shaping the puppet is done. The skin is carefully cut to ensure that the shape, facial expressions and decorations of the puppets are accurately brought into their shadows. Tiny holes are punched in the leather to beautify the shadows which are projected on a white screen.
This ancient art form is promoted at Blackberry Hills. The delicate puppets made of leather stained with natural tones decorate our reception foyer. We do have a collection of rare books and CDs at Blackberry Hills on Tholppavakoothu. A lecture demonstration is part of the activities.
