Kathakali Music and Instruments
Music plays a major role in this art form creating tone variations corresponding to the mood of a particular scene.
- In a Kathakali performance, various instruments are used, including three drums known as ‘Itaykka,’ ‘Centa,’ and ‘Maddalam.’
- The music follows the Sopana Sangeetham tradition. Sopana Sangeetham is the singing of the Ashtapadis on the flight of steps leading to the sanctum sanctorum.
- Diverse musical arrangement are employed in Kathakali, including ‘Cempata’ for combat sequences, ‘Atanta’ for divine characters, ‘Muri Atanta’ for heroic deeds, ‘Triputa’ for scenes involving teachers and sages, ‘Pancari’ for disagreeable scenarios, and ‘Campa’ for confrontations and debates.
Kathakali | Classical Dance Form of Kerala
Kathakali, an ancient classical Indian dance form, remains a vibrant theatre tradition, particularly practiced by Malayali people in the southwestern state of Kerala. Recognized for its intricate make-up and costumes, this “story game” genre showcases the artistry of male actor-dancers. In this article, we will explore the history, salient features, costumes, instruments, and exponents of Kathakali.