Koothambalam

Koothambalam or Kuttampalam (Kuṭṭampalam) meaning temple theatre or play house by scholars is a closed hall for staging Koothu ( (Kūttu), Nangiar koothu( (Kūttu) and Koodiyattam(Kūṭiyāṭṭam), the ancient ritualistic art forms of Kerala, India.

The floor of the hall is divided into two equal halves and one part is for performance (including stage, instruments, green room etc.)

The mizhavu, a percussion instrument for accompanying Koothu, is placed within a railed enclosure, with a high seat for the drummer( belonging to nampiar community).

The women of the Ambalavasi-Nambiar caste (Nangyarammas), play Nangyar Koothu and the female characters of Koodiyattam.

The Kerala Kalamandalam, Deemed University for Art and Culture, Cheruthuruthy, Thrissur District houses a beautiful Koothambalam.