Kathakali
- Classical Dance
of Kerala
Kathakali
is a theatrical dance
form of Kerala, which
you can see on tours
with Kerala Backwater.
Known for its elaborate
performances, which
can last all night,
Kathakali was previously
staged in only temples
and the mansions of
the rulers of Kerala.
Now Kathakali performances
are open to all. Kathakali
was previously an
all male dance form,
with female characters
also played by men.
Nowadays women too
can train in the rigorous
process of becoming
a Kathakali dancer
and perform on stage
in Kathakali events.
Kathakali events are
held through the year
and you can enjoy
a Kathakali performance
on your tour to Kerala
with Kerala Backwater.
A Kathakali dance
performance involves
the enactment of an
episode from the epics,
the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Indian mythology has
many great heroes,
dramatic stories and
eventful narratives.
These colorful tales
are depicted in a
Kathakali performance.
The performers convey
moods, emotions and
inner sensibilities
by facial expressions
and gestures. A vocalist
sings the narrative
verse, while drums,
cymbals and other
instruments provide
a continuous musical
accompaniment and
sound effects at dramatic
moments
The costume of the
Kathakali dance is
a striking sight.
The elaborate facial
paint made from rice
power treated with
various colors, is
an indication of the
nature of the character
being portrayed. The
heroes have green
faces; the villain’s
red or black, while
the holy men and female
characters have yellow
faces. Apart from
facial make up, each
performer wears an
elaborate costume,
with a headdress,
and layers of skirts,
as well as jeweler,
anklets, bracelets
and rings. The evil
characters also wear
talons or beards to
represent their beastly
nature
.
Traditionally Kathakali
performances began
in the evening on
a raised platform
in the temple premises.
Two helpers held a
curtain across the
stage behind which
the characters appeared
at the beginning of
each act and quick
changes of scenery
and props took place.
Kathakali has adapted
for an indoor stage
performance. The curtain
remains, as does the
bare stage, which
is transformed when
the music and drums
begin their rhythmic
murmur. The performers
stride on stage in
their colorful costumes
and begin the age-old
performance of a Kathakali
dance drama. You're
sure to be transformed
into a world of heroes,
Gods, passion and
warfare as you watch
a Kathakali performance
unfold. The Gods themselves
will seem to have
appeared before you
in God's Own Country.
Don't miss a Kathakali
performance when you
travel to Kerala with
Kerala Backwater.
