Kathakali
Kathakali is a highly stylized classical Indian dance-drama considered to be as one of the oldest theater forms in the world. Elements of the art of Kathakali are found in the ancient ritual plays of Hindu temples and various dance forms that are believed to have been gradually developed in Kerala from as early as the 2nd Century until the end of the 16th Century. 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. Kathakali is a harmonious combination of five forms of fine art:
- Literature (Sahithyam)
- Music (Sangeetham)
- Painting (Chithram)
- Acting (Natyam)
- Dance (Nritham)
Dance Elements
Traditionally, a Kathakali performance is usually conducted at night and ends in early morning. Kathakali is usually performed in front of the huge Kalivilakku (kali meaning dance; vilakku meaning lamp). Traditionally, this lamp used to provide sole light when the plays used to be performed inside temples, palaces or abodes houses of nobles and aristocrats. Enactment of a play by actors takes place to the accompaniment of music (geetha) and instruments (vadya). A distinguishing characteristic of this art form is that the actors never speak but use hand gestures, expressions and rhythmic dancing instead of dialogue.
A Kathakali actor uses immense concentration, skill and physical stamina, gained from regimented training based on Kalaripayattu, an ancient Kerala martial art. The intensive training can often last for 8–10 years. In Kathakali, the story is enacted purely by the movements of the hands (mudras), facial expressions (rasas), eye movements, and bodily movements. The expressions are derived from the Natyashastra (the tome that deals with the science of expressions) and are classified into nine as in most Indian classical art forms.
There are 24 basic mudras -- a form of sign language to tell the story -- which can be classified as such:
- 'Samaana-mudras' (one mudra symbolising two entities)
- 'Mmisra-mudras' (both the hands are used to show these mudras).
There are 24 basic mudras -- a form of sign language to tell the story -- which can be classified as such:
- 'Samaana-mudras' (one mudra symbolising two entities)
- 'Mmisra-mudras' (both the hands are used to show these mudras).
The main facial expressions of a Kathakali artist are the 'navarasams' or the 'Nine Tastes' (nine feelings or expressions) which are:
- Sringaram (amour)
- Hasyam (ridicule, humour)
- Bhayanakam (fear)
- Karunam (pathos)
- Roudram (anger, wrath)
- Veeram (valour)
- Beebhatsam (disgust)
- Adbhutam (wonder, amazement)
- Shantam (tranquility, peace)
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Costume
The costumes and make-up of Kathakali are quite distinct and unique. They are large and heavy, as well as colorful and striking. Each character is instantly recognizable by their characteristic makeup and costume. These are:
The dancers wear large head dresses called Kireedam, and the contours of the face are extended with molded 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.
- Sathwika (the hero),
- Kathi (the villain),
- Minukku (females),
- Thatti.
The dancers wear large head dresses called Kireedam, and the contours of the face are extended with molded 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.
As for the make-up, It is very elaborate to the point that it appears more like a mask. The materials that comprise the makeup is all locally available. The white is made from rice flour; the red is made from Vermilion (a red earth such as cinnabar) and the black is made from soot. The colors are not merely decoration, but are also a means of portraying characters. For instance, red on the feet is used to symbolize evil character and evil intent.
Music
The percussion instruments used are chenda, maddalam, and, occasionally, edakka. In addition, the singers (the lead singer is called “ponnani” and his follower is called “singidi”) use chengila (gong made of bell metal, which can be struck with a wooden stick) and ilathalam (a pair of cymbals). The lead singer in some sense uses the Chengala to conduct the Vadyam and Geetha components (similar to a conductor).
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