Kathakali theatre

Download as pdf or txt
Download as pdf or txt
You are on page 1of 1

By Raima

Kathakali
Origin
Kathakali theatre originated in Kerala in the 16th
century, it evolved from earlier art forms like
Krishnanattam (which was used to tell the stories
of hindu gods), and grew from the support of
Indian royalty. The following image is an illustration
one of the Zamorins (kings/monarchs) of Calicut.
Zamorin Mana Vikrama heavily supported the
creation and development of Kathakali theatre,
along with other arts.
Villain Hero Demon Types of Stories
Typically based on Hindu epics like the Ramayana
and Mahabharata.
Kathakali usually explores themes of morality, like
good vs. evil.
Characters are symbolized by makeup colours:
green for heroes, red for villains, and black for
demons.​

Performance Style & Unique Features


The storytelling style is very visual. Kathakali uses very elaborate costumes,
Intricate dance movements, expressive facial headgear, and makeup. Actors apply makeup
gestures (rasas), and hand gestures (mudras). in colours sourced from natural materials like
Music and rhythm are emphasized, with drums stones and flowers. The costumes are also
(the chenda and maddalam) setting the tone. very distinctive because they are made of
Vocalists sing “padams” (verses) in Malayalam, bright, embroidered layers and glamourous
narrating the scenes. jewelry. Kathakali is also unique because they
Performers train to control each muscle, incorporate moves from Kalari Payattu, a
especially around the eyes, to enhance their martial art native to Kerala in the
expressions. dances/choreography of Kathakali plays!

Kathakali at Festivals
Kathakali is celebrated at events like the Kerala
Temple Festivals, where the best groups of artists
perform in traditional temple settings, like what
would have been done during the time that the
Kathakali was invented.
There is also a festival specific to the state of Kerala
called “The Kathakali Festival” this festival is
dedicated to Kathakali theatre because it showcases
folk art -- which is what Kathakali is. The Kathakali
Festival is also a big part of tourism in Kerala
nowadays.

“Kathakali Mask: A Journey from Handicrafts to Dance.” ITokri आई.टोकरी, 2024, itokri.com/blogs/craft-masala-by-
itokri/kathakali-mask-a-journey-from-handicrafts-to-dance. Works Cited
Alamy Limited. “Zamorin of Calicut Hi-Res Stock Photography and Images - Alamy.” Alamy, Alamy images, 2024, “Kathakali Dancers Performing in Kerala, India.” Peapix, 8 Sept. 2022,
www.alamy.com/stock-photo/zamorin-of-calicut.html?sortBy=relevant. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024. peapix.com/bing/39967. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024.
“Kathakali Festival 2019, Bhava Bhavanam - Rajasooyam (Thekkan), Kalakshetra Foundation, Chennai - Most Famous &
decode_malayalam. “Understanding Kathakali: History, Art, and Tradition.”
Traditional Dance from Kerala, India.” Casual Walker, 19 Sept. 2019, casualwalker.com/kathakali-festival-2019-bhava-
DecodeMalayalam, 4 July 2024, decodemalayalam.com/art-of-kathakali/.
bhavanam-rajasooyam-thekkan-kalakshetra-foundation-chennai/.

You might also like