This lesson brings out the relationship between the typically Tamil festivals and Tamil drama. These festivals served as a launching pad for Tamil plays. After hard work, the villagers found relaxation in various art forms. They enjoyed dramatisations of familiar stories; These were staged in temples and street corners on festive occasions.

Therukoothu was performed in street corners. It became popular in the nineteenth century and was staged after harvest and at temple festivals. The stage was erected in the open air and had a thatched roof. Firewood torches lighted the stage. They danced and sang loudly without mikes. Music - vocal and instrumental - formed an integral part of the show. Make up was sparingly used but costumes were attractively designed. Mostly folktales like Nallathangal Kathai were enacted. Therukoothu was didactic in its aim. Earlier it used to go on for months; however now there is a time limit. After invocation, a man dressed as Lord Vinayaka blessed everyone; then, Kattiyankaran introduced the characters and story. Finally the characters came on with much ado. This form had a down fall as people got tired of it and sought other forms of entertainment. However it has had an impact on modern Tamil drama.

Kaniyankoothu, another form of drama belongs to the story telling genre. During festivals in smaller temples, Kaniyankoothu is performed. Kaniyankoothu was an ancient tribal. The stage was set in front of a temple. The characters are Sudalaimadan and Kaniyan, two wreaked people. The story is also about the God of the temple. The play is performed after nine 0’clock at night.

Villuppaattu or bowsong is popular even today in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu. It is a form of narrative theatre, which became popular in the eighteenth century. No special stage or lighting is required. Bow is the major musical instrument used. There is a pot and beads attached to the bow. Udukku, Villukkudam, Thaalam and Kattai are also used. Traditional as well as modern stories are used. Songs as well as prose are used.

Paavaikoothu or puppet show is conduted with wooden leather puppets. A special stage is erected. The puppeteers are good singers and ventriloquists. There are three parts to the show; prayer; humour and this story. This genre is a powerful tool for propaganda.