Salient Features of Kathakali
Kathakali is a blend of dance, music and acting and dramatizes stories, which are mostly adapted from the Indian epics.
- The dance form combines four aspects of abhinaya – Angika, Aharya,Vachika, Satvikaand the Nritta, Nritya and Natya are combined perfectly.
- The dancer expresses himself through codified hastamudras and facial expressions, closely following the verses (padams) that are sung.
- The body movement and choreography of this dance draws inspiration from various martial arts of Kerala.
- Kathakali dance is primarily interpretative and male-dominated performance.
- The eternal fight between good and evil is depicted in the majority of Kathakali recitals. It takes its motifs from stories told in epics and Puranas. The ‘ballad of the east’ is another name for it.
- Manipravalam, a blend of Malayalam and Sanskrit, is the language used in Kathakali songs.
- The crown jewel of the entire dance drama is perhaps the gestures and is known for its depiction of the rasas through eyebrow motions.
- The ‘Navarasas,’ or nine important facial expressions, are taught to indicate various emotions. There are also a lot of hand movements.
- Kathakali is usually performed in open-air theatres on coarse mats or on temple grounds with Kerala’s lush green trees as a backdrop. Lighting is provided by a brass lamp.
- Today, Kathakali music uses Carnatic ragas, specifically the raga and tala, which follow the bhava, rasa, and dancing patterns (Nritta & Natya).
- The Chenda, Maddalam, Chengila, Ilathalam, Idakka, & Shankhu make up the orchestra, which is also employed in other traditional Kerala performing arts.
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.