Kathakali -Kerala Snapshots by Deepak Ashok

Kathakali -Kerala Snapshots :1

I Love this Pic Because of the Lighting………..

“More about Kathakali”

Kathakali is one of the oldest theatre forms in the world. It
originated in the area of southwestern India now known as the state of
Kerala. Kathakali is a group presentation, in which dancers take
various roles in performances traditionally based on themes from Hindu
mythology, especially the two epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

One of the most interesting aspects of Kathakali is its elaborate
make-up code. Characters are categorized according to their nature.
This determines the colours used in the make-up. The faces of noble
male characters, such as virtuous kings, the divine hero Rama, etc.,
are predominantly green. Characters of high birth who have an evil
streak, such as the demon king Ravana, are allotted a similar green
make-up, slashed with red marks on the cheeks. Extremely angry or
excessively evil characters wear predominantly red make-up and a
flowing red beard. Forest dwellers such as hunters are represented
with a predominantly black make-up base. Women and ascetics have
lustrous, yellowish faces.

The technique of Kathakali includes a highly developed language of
gesture, through which the artist can convey whole sentences and
stories. The body movements and footwork are very rigourous. To attain
the high degree of flexibility and muscle control required for this
art, a Kathakali dancer undergoes a strenuous course of training, and
special periods of body massage.

The dancers wear large head dresses, and the contours of the face are
extended with moulded lime. The extraordinary costumes and make-up
serve to raise the participants above the level of mere mortals, so
that they may transport the audience to a world of wonders.

The orchestra of a Kathakali performance includes two drums known as
the chenda and the maddalam, along with cymbals and another percussion
instrument, the ela taalam. Normally, two singers provide the vocal
accompaniment. The style of singing particular to Kathakali is called
Sopaanam. The orchestra of a Kathakali troupe is unique and provides
not only the background to the dancing, but also serves as a highly
expressive special effects team. In the traditional village ambiance,
the percussionists also provide publicity for the event by playing
outside the venue for some hours before the start of the show.

A traditional Kathakali performance begins in the evening and
continues throughout the night, culminating at the auspicious hour of
dawn, when Good finally conquers Evil. Today, however, it has been
modified for the proscenium stage, and urban audiences can participate
in this ritualistic theatre experience in the comfort of a plush
auditorium, within the span of a couple of hours.