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Kathakali - classical dance-drama of Kerala
Kathakali, a popular folk art of Indian dance-drama is originated in the Indian state of Kerala during the 17th century . However, its roots could be tracked back even to the earlier times. Kathakali was conceived from Krishnanaattam, the dance drama on the life and activities of Lord Krishna. Kathakali is a spectacular combination of drama, dance, music and ritual. Characters with vividly painted faces and elaborate costumes re-enact stories from the Indian epics, Mahabharatha and Ramayana. Earlier, Kathakali was used to perform in the temple premises. Nowadays, it has graduated into the level of a theatre performance. Though Kathakali is only 300 years old, a great deal of enrichment and refinement has taken place in every aspect of its technique during this short period.
Kathakali is a combination of five forms of fine arts including Literature, (Sahithyam), Music (Sangeetham), Painting or make up (Chutti) Acting (Natyam) and Dance (Nritham). The language of the songs used for Kathakali is a mix of Malayalam and Sanskrit.
Performance
The Kathakali show is usually conducted at night and ends at early morning. The actors will be accompanied by percussionists and singers. The lead singer controls the entire show with rhythmic beats of a special musical instrument. Mridangam, Chenda and Ilathalam are commonly used in kathakali. The actors involved in kathakali never speak. They use gestures instead of dialogues.
Acting
To prepare for his demanding role a Kathakali actor uses immense concentration, skill and physical stamina, as a result of the training received from Kalaripayattu, an ancient martial art of Kerala. Children used to start their intensive training when they attain five years of age.
In Kathakali, the story is enacted purely by the movements of the hands (called mudras or actions) and by facial expressions and bodily movements. A Kathakali dancer has perfect control over the facial muscles and can express various emotions ('lasyams') with skill. Dancers also learn to control their eye movements and can achieve extreme movements of their eyes by controlled cross-eyed gaze.
There are 24 main mudras and numerous other lesser mudras. Each of them can be classified as 'Samaana-mudras' (one mudra symbolizing two entities) or misra-mudras (both the hands are used to show these mudras). The mudras are a form of sign language that is used to tell the story.
The main facial expressions of a Kathakali artist are the 'navarasams'. 'Navarasas' in general means nine feelings or expressions, which are Sringaaram (amour), Haasyam (ridicule, humour), Bhayam (fear), Karunam (pathos), Rowdram (anger, wrath), Veeram (valour), Beebhatsam (disgust), Adbhutham (wonder, amazement), Saantham (tranquility, peace).
Drummers, singers, make-up artists and costumers complete the ensemble of highly trained specialists, who are thoroughly prepared to present a Kathakali performance.
Characters of kathakali are classified under 5 major types, According to their nature. They are:
« Pacha (GREEN) - HEROIC, DIVINE e.g.:- KRISHNA, ARJUNA.
« Kathi (KNIFE) - HEROIC BUT LUSTFUL WITH ARROGANT. e.g.:- DURYODHANA, RAVANA.
« Tadi (BEARD) - RED, VILLAINOUS AND EVIL. e.g.:- DUSSASANA, WHITE - PIOUS E.g.:- HANUMAN.
« Kari (BLACK) - a DEMONESS.
« Munukku (SHINING) - ALL FEMALES (EXPECT DEMONESS IN THEIR ORIGINAL FORM). BRAHMINS, SAGE,
MESSENGERS, CHARIOTEER.
« Teppu (SPECIAL MAKE-UP) - BIRDS, BHEERU (COWARD) ETC.
