Theyyam Expedition

 

During this Expedition, we journey to the forests of the Malabar region to photograph the performance of ‘Theyyam’, a ritualistic art form combining dance and music, indigenous to northern Kerala. A living cult governed by centuries old traditions, rituals and customs, Theyyam presents unique photographic challenges and opportunities. The ceremonies, which are staged in small temples and households in the forest, can last up to three days or more and require extensive nighttime photography.

The term ‘Theyyam’ means ‘God’; during a Theyyam performance, immortal spirits are believed to enter the mortal bodies of the performers to enact a ritual dance of divine revelation. Before performing, dancers undergo rigorous penance and ritual fasting to discipline their bodies to the task of enacting the divine with confidence – of becoming Theyyams, or Gods.

Their intended transformation begins with the application of elaborate make-up on the face and body. All Theyyams carry a sword and shield and performances often incorporate displays of martial arts. Fire walking is also part of the ritual and in some ceremonies, the dancers wear rings of burning wicks around their waist, which ignite as they dance deliriously to the mounting tempo of drums and cymbals.

The uniqueness of Theyyam is that its deities not only appear to their devotees as divine personae but also interact with them; at the height of the performance, when the Theyyams are in a frenzied trance, devotees approach them to seek their blessing and ask them questions.Devotees believe that the blessing and the answers that they receive from the Theyyams are from the God, or Goddess, in person.

Theyyam embraces almost all castes and classes of Hinduism in this region. After the performances have ended, the dancers return to their villages, where they are treated as common mortals, until the following Theyyam season begins.

This Expedition presents outstanding opportunities for environmental portraiture, documentary photography, and working in extreme light conditions. It is an intensive photographic workshop demanding stamina and flexibility.

 

Dates: 1st – 14th February 2009
This Expedition begins and ends in Kochi, Kerala, India. Dates refer to actual days on the ground (13 nights).
Expedition Leader: Dariusz Klemens
Participants: 6-8
Cost: £ 2150
Includes:: Tuition. 13 night’s accommodation, on twin-share basis, with all meals (breakfast, lunch, supper). Transfers between Kochi and the Malabar region by train, first class, and by private vehicles during the rest of the Expedition. Translator and local guides. All entrance fees.

 

Notes:

The group will meet in Kochi on day one, and move to the Malabar region of northern Kerala on day 3 of the Expedition. We will then remain in the area where Theyyams are performed for the following 9 days, before returning to Kochi for a second chance to photograph the ancient town known as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’.

Accommodation is in heritage hotels in Fort Kochi and the Malabar Coast .Travelling in our own private vehicles in the Malabar region will allow us the flexibility needed to access the often remote palm groves where Theyyam performances take place.

Whilst we make every effort to ensure that we travel and sleep in comfort, participants should note that this Expedition involves long shooting hours and extensive night-time photography. We will spend many hours photographing the build-up to performances and the ceremonies, often in large crowds.

 

For a sample of images from the area please visit our Theyyam Expedition Gallery.

You can request further details of this Expedition by using our Contact page.