Kathakali is a classical Indian dance-drama from the southern state of Kerala. It is known for its elaborate make-up, costumes, and highly stylized gestures and facial expressions. The performances are usually based on stories from Hindu mythology, and are accompanied by live music and singing.
History of kathakali
Kathakali is a traditional form of Indian theater that originated in the state of Kerala in the 17th century. It is a combination of dance, drama, music, and ritual, and is known for its elaborate costumes, make-up, and highly stylized gestures and facial expressions. The performances are usually based on stories from Hindu mythology, such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
Kathakali developed during the 17th century as a fusion of several existing dance-drama traditions in Kerala, including Kootiyattam and Ramanattam. The earliest Kathakali performances were held in temples and were considered a form of worship. Over time, the performances moved out of the temples and into other venues, such as royal courts and public theaters.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, Kathakali was patronized by the kings and nobility of Kerala, and it developed into a sophisticated art form. In the 20th century, Kathakali began to be performed for a wider audience, and it has since become a popular form of entertainment and a symbol of Kerala’s cultural heritage.
Today, Kathakali is performed both in India and around the world, and it continues to evolve and adapt to changing audiences and cultural contexts
Kathakali characters
Kathakali is a traditional Indian dance-drama from the state of Kerala, and it features a variety of characters, each with their own unique costume, make-up, and gestures. The main characters in Kathakali performances are typically divided into two categories: “pure” characters and “semi-pure” characters.
The “pure” characters are typically gods, heroes, and other divine or noble figures. They are characterized by their bright and colorful costumes, elaborate headgear, and detailed facial make-up. Examples of “pure” characters in Kathakali include Rama, Krishna, and Arjuna.
The “semi-pure” characters are typically demons, villains, and other malevolent or morally ambiguous figures. They are characterized by their dark and ominous costumes, exaggerated facial expressions, and distinctive make-up. Examples of “semi-pure” characters in Kathakali include Ravana, Duryodhana, and Kamsa.
In addition to these main characters, Kathakali performances also feature a variety of other characters, such as sages, warriors, dancers, and common people. These characters are typically played by the same actors as the main characters, and they help to flesh out the story and provide a sense of context for the audience.
Kathakali origin
The origin of Kathakali, a traditional Indian dance-drama from the state of Kerala, can be traced back to the 17th century. It developed as a fusion of several existing dance-drama traditions in Kerala, including Kootiyattam and Ramanattam.
Kootiyattam is considered to be the oldest form of theater in India, with a history dating back over a thousand years. It is performed in the Sanskrit language and is based on stories from Hindu mythology, such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
Ramanattam, on the other hand, is a local form of theater that originated in the 16th century and is based on stories from the Ramacharitam, a 14th-century Malayalam-language version of the Ramayana.
Kathakali is considered an evolution of both Kootiyattam and Ramanatttam. It incorporates elements from both traditions, such as the use of stories from Hindu mythology and the use of dance, music, and acting, but it also adds new elements, such as the use of elaborate costumes and make-up, and the use of highly stylized gestures and facial expressions.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, Kathakali was patronized by the kings and nobility of Kerala, and it developed into a sophisticated art form. In the 20th century, Kathakali began to be performed for a wider audience, and it has since become a popular form of entertainment and a symbol of Kerala’s cultural heritage.
Kathakali makeup
Kathakali is a traditional Indian dance-drama from the state of Kerala, and one of its most distinctive features is the elaborate make-up used by the performers.
Kathakali make-up is designed to enhance the facial expressions of the actors and to help convey the emotions and characteristics of their characters. The makeup is applied in a specific way to create different looks for different characters.
The make-up for “pure” characters, such as gods and heroes, is typically bright and colorful, and it is designed to make the actors look handsome and noble. This make-up is usually applied in a symmetrical pattern, with the colors and designs carefully chosen to match the character’s role and personality.
The make-up for “semi-pure” characters, such as demons and villains, is typically dark and ominous, and it is designed to make the actors look terrifying and malevolent. This make-up is usually applied in an asymmetrical pattern, with the colors and designs carefully chosen to match the character’s role and personality.
The process of applying Kathakali makeup is a complex and time-consuming one, and it typically takes several hours to complete. The make-up is applied in layers, and it is usually done by a specialist make-up artist, who is trained in the traditional techniques and styles of Kathakali.
The makeup is usually made from natural ingredients such as ghee, coconut oil, and various herbs and mineral pigments. The use of natural ingredients gives the characters a realistic look and also helps the performer to wear it for hours without causing any irritation.
Famous kathakali dancers
There are many famous Kathakali dancers throughout the history of this traditional Indian dance-drama from the state of Kerala. Some notable examples include:
- Vazhenkada Kunchu Nair: He is considered one of the greatest Kathakali dancers of all time. He was a master of the “pure” characters, such as Rama and Krishna, and his performances were known for their elegance and grace. He was also a skilled teacher, and he trained many other famous Kathakali dancers.
- Kalamandalam Gopi: He is considered one of the most talented Kathakali dancers of his generation. He was a master of both “pure” and “semi-pure” characters, and his performances were known for their intensity and expressiveness. He has also served as a teacher and director at the Kerala Kalamandalam, a prestigious institution for the study of Kathakali and other classical Indian arts.
- Kalamandalam Ramankutty Nair: He was a legendary Kathakali dancer who was known for his powerful and dramatic performances. He was a master of the “semi-pure” characters, such as Ravana and Duryodhana, and his performances were known for their expressiveness and dynamic energy. He was also a respected teacher and choreographer, and he trained many other famous Kathakali dancers.
- Padma Subrahmanyam: She is a renowned Kathakali dancer and choreographer, who is also known for her research and writings on the art form. She is the first woman to have performed Kathakali in a solo role. She is also the recipient of Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, and Sangeet Natak Akademi awards for her contribution to Indian classical dance.
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