TOLUBOMMALATA
 Tolu Bommalata
is one of the earliest folk theatre forms of Andhra Pradesh. ‘Tolu Bomma’
means a puppet made of hide or skin. Tolu Bommalata is a nightlong performance with
humourous interludes in between. The performance is staged from behind the white screen
(curtain of 8t x 6ft) that is bent slightly towards the audience at the top. This allows
the puppet to stand intact on the curtain. The puppeteers manipulate the figures with
articulate movements of its limbs and body, to make them life like for the audience who
see only their shadows by the reflection of the light from behind.
Kommoji and Brahmoji of Maharashtra who
migrated to Andhra Pradesh are said to be the initiators of this puppet show. Popular
themes based on mythological stories like Ramayana and Mahabharatha are presented in a
very entertaining and a lively manner. Other subjects are now being added. Though a very
popular form of entertainment in olden days, the Tolu Bommalata is now a dying art.
Puppets are made from flat raw hide of a
goat or deer or stiff parchment following a long process. Wet skin is first soaked in warm
water and the inner side cleaned with a sharp instrument. This is then placed on a gunny
mat to prevent stiffening or wrinkling. Outline of the figure is drawn with charcoal on it
and punched with holes of different shapes to indicate the different jewelry. The
different parts of the figure are then hinged together by means of a strong thickened
thread while the head and body are connected by means of a strong bamboo stick. The
puppets are then finally colored or dyed to make them live and expressive. The vegetable
dyes once used however are replaced with chemical dyes now. |
