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A rich and flourishing tradition of
dance drama can be witnessed in the picturesque state of Kerala,
a narrow strip of beautiful land running along the west coast of India. Here,
in the night, the drums roll, beckoning an audience to a most magnificent spectacle.
Kathakali, a well-developed dance-drama, is
a performance where the actors depict characters from the epics Ramayana
and Mahabharata and from the Puranas
(ancient scriptures). The dancers adorn themselves in huge skirts and headdress,
wearing a most intricate style of make-up. Its elaborate and colorful facial make-up
takes up to six hours to prepare: green is
for heroic characters like Rama and Krishna;
black for evil characters like Putana and
the bearded countenance depicts Hanuman and
Bheema. Traditionally, only men perform Kathakali,
undertaking the role of women too. Their training includes elaborate eye exercises,
body massage and diet control. |
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Kathakali draws heavily from drama
and is danced with elaborate masks and costumes. Kathakali recitals are generally
long and while other dance forms are more emotive than narrative, Kathakali is
both. It combines dance with dialogue to bring myth and legend to life in the
temple courtyards of Kerala. The dancers use their stunning costumes and make-up,
with the accompaniment of drums and vocalists, to create various moods and emotions. |
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So strong is the identification of the dancers
with the characters they play and so absolute their conviction, that they seem
to surpass themselves, becoming one with the legendary heroes and heroines they
depict.
As a distinct form, present day Kathakali evolved from Krishnattam,
Ramanattam, Koodiyattam,
Mudeyyetu and Teyyam
especially Kudiyattam.So strong is the identification
of the dancers with the characters they play and so absolute their conviction,
that they seem to surpass themselves, becoming one with the legendary heroes and
heroines they depict.
As a distinct form, present day Kathakali evolved from Krishnattam, Ramanattam,
Koodiyattam, Mudeyyetu and Teyyam especially Kudiyattam. |
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