Kathakali: A Timeless Theatrical Art Form

Kadathandan Kalari & Navarasa Kathakali Centre, Kumily, Idukki is proud to present one of the world's oldest theatre forms, Kathakali. This mesmerizing art form originated in the southwestern region of India, now known as Kerala. At our venue, we offer daily performances that transport audiences into the enchanting world of Kathakali, a ritualistic theatre experience rooted deeply in Hindu mythology.

The Origins and Themes of Kathakali

Kathakali is a group presentation where dancers take on various roles in performances traditionally based on themes from Hindu mythology, particularly the great epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata. This classical dance-drama form is renowned for its elaborate costumes, intricate make-up, and expressive gestures. The stories told in Kathakali often revolve around the eternal struggle between good and evil, with characters portraying gods, demons, and mortals.

The Elaborate Make-Up and Costumes

One of the most captivating aspects of Kathakali is its detailed make-up, known as chutti. The make-up and costumes are not just for aesthetic purposes but serve to categorize characters according to their nature.

• Noble Characters: Characters such as virtuous kings and divine heroes like Rama have faces predominantly painted green, symbolizing their nobility and righteousness.
• Evil Characters: High-born characters with an evil streak, like the demon king Ravana, also have green make-up but with red marks on the cheeks to indicate their malevolent nature. Extremely evil characters feature predominantly red make-up and may even have a flowing red beard.
• Forest Dwellers: Characters representing hunters or forest dwellers use a black make-up base, emphasizing their wild and untamed nature.
• Women and Ascetics: Female characters and ascetics have faces painted with a lustrous yellowish hue, reflecting purity and spirituality.

The dancers wear large, elaborate head dresses, and the contours of their faces are extended with moulded lime. These extraordinary costumes and make-up elevate the performers, allowing them to transcend the ordinary and transport the audience to a mythical realm.

The Technique and Training of Kathakali Dancers

Kathakali is known for its rigorous body movements and footwork, which require exceptional flexibility and muscle control. To achieve the level of skill needed for this art, Kathakali dancers undergo years of strenuous training, including special periods of body massage to maintain their physical agility.

The technique of Kathakali includes a highly developed language of gesture, through which the artist can convey entire sentences and stories. This intricate sign language, combined with the dancers' intense facial expressions and body movements, creates a powerful and immersive storytelling experience.

The Unique Kathakali Orchestra

The orchestra of a Kathakali performance is as unique and essential as the dance itself. It includes two types of drums, the chenda and the maddalam, along with cymbals and the ela taalam, another percussion instrument. Two singers provide the vocal accompaniment, performing in the Sopaanam style, which is specific to Kathakali.

The orchestra not only provides the musical background but also serves as a highly expressive special effects team. In traditional village settings, the percussionists play outside the venue for hours before the show to attract the audience and create an atmosphere of anticipation.

The Kathakali Performance

Traditionally, a Kathakali performance begins in the evening and continues throughout the night, culminating at dawn when Good triumphs over Evil. However, in modern times, the performance has been adapted for the proscenium stage, allowing urban audiences to experience this ritualistic theatre within a couple of hours in a comfortable auditorium.

At Kadathandan Kalari & Navarasa Kathakali Centre, Kumily, Idukki, we invite you to immerse yourself in the rich tradition of Kathakali, where every performance is a journey into a world of ancient myths, heroic tales, and divine battles. Come, witness the magic of Kathakali, and let the power of this timeless art form leave you spellbound.