Kathakali: Kerala's Grand Dance Theatre of Gods and Demons

The Grandest of Indian Classical Dance Forms

Kathakali is one of the most visually spectacular performing arts in the world, originating from the southwestern state of Kerala. This classical dance drama is characterized by its elaborately colorful costumes, intricate facial makeup, towering headgear, and highly stylized movements. The word 'Kathakali' means 'story play,' and every performance is a dramatic enactment of stories from Hindu epics, Puranas, and mythological traditions. Kathakali is often described as a 'total theatre' experience, combining dance, music, drama, and ritual into a unified artistic expression. The art form emerged in the seventeenth century under the patronage of the princely states of Kerala and has since become a globally recognized symbol of Indian cultural heritage.

The Origins and Development

Kathakali's origins can be traced to earlier performance traditions of Kerala, including Kutiyattam (Sanskrit theatre), Krishnanattam (dance drama on Krishna's life), and Kalaripayattu (martial arts). The art form was systematized by the Raja of Kottarakkara in the seventeenth century, who composed the first Kathakali plays based on the Ramayana. The martial arts influence is evident in the rigorous physical training that Kathakali performers undergo, which includes exercises for body control, eye movements, facial muscle control, and footwork. The training regime is among the most demanding of any performing art, requiring years of dedicated practice before a performer is deemed ready for the stage.

In Kathakali, the face is not merely expressive but becomes a living canvas. The elaborate makeup, with its precise color symbolism, transforms the performer into a divine or demonic being, allowing the audience to instantly recognize the character's nature and moral standing.

The costume and makeup system classifies characters into several types. 'Pacha' or green makeup represents noble, heroic characters like Rama and Krishna. 'Kathi' or knife characters are proud, arrogant figures like Ravana. 'Thadi' or beard characters include 'Chuvanna Thadi' (red beard) for evil characters and 'Vella Thadi' (white beard) for divine beings. 'Kari' or black makeup represents demonic female characters. 'Minukku' or shining characters are gentle, spiritual figures like sages and women. This sophisticated classification system allows audiences to immediately understand the nature of each character when they appear on stage.

The Performance Elements

A Kathakali performance is a multi-sensory experience. The 'Mudras' or hand gestures form a complete language, with approximately twenty-four basic mudras that can be combined to create hundreds of meanings. The 'Navarasas' or nine emotions are expressed through highly controlled facial movements, particularly the eyes and eyebrows. The eye movements in Kathakali are extraordinarily powerful, with performers training for hours to achieve the required control. The music is provided by two singers accompanied by the Chenda (drum), Maddalam (drum), Chengala (gong), and Ilathalam (cymbals). The rhythm and tempo of the performance are precisely coordinated with the music, creating a seamless integration of sound and movement.

• Traditional Kathakali performances begin at dusk and continue through the night, often lasting until dawn
• The elaborate makeup process takes three to four hours to complete
• The costume includes heavy ornaments and a massive headdress that can weigh up to fifteen kilograms
• Performers undergo daily oil massages and rigorous physical training to maintain their flexibility

Kathakali in the Modern Age

Contemporary Kathakali has adapted to changing times while preserving its traditional core. Performances are now typically shortened to two or three hours to suit modern audiences. The Kerala Kalamandalam, established in 1930, serves as the premier institution for Kathakali training and has been instrumental in preserving and promoting the art form. Kathakali has gained international fame, with performances in major cultural capitals around the world. The art form has also influenced Western theatre practitioners and filmmakers who have been inspired by its unique aesthetic. Despite modernization, Kathakali remains deeply connected to the temple traditions of Kerala, where it continues to be performed as an offering to the deities.

The Training Regime of Kathakali Artists

The training of a Kathakali performer is among the most demanding of any performing art tradition. Students begin training at a young age, often eight to ten years old, and undergo rigorous physical conditioning that includes daily oil massages, stretching exercises, and martial arts training. The eye exercises are particularly intensive, with practitioners training to move each eye independently and express the nine basic emotions (Navarasas) through eye movements alone. Facial muscle control is developed through exercises that isolate different parts of the face. Body movements are trained through a system of basic units called 'Kalasams' that are combined to create the complete movement vocabulary. Students also learn the complex system of mudras (hand gestures) and their meanings. Theoretical training includes study of the Natya Shastra, the Ramayana and Mahabharata, and the specific texts of Kathakali plays. The training requires complete dedication, with students often spending eight to ten years before they are considered ready for solo performances.

Kathakali's Influence on World Theatre

Kathakali has had a significant influence on modern theatre practice around the world. Western theatre practitioners including Peter Brook, Jerzy Grotowski, and Eugenio Barba have studied Kathakali and incorporated elements of its training methods and performance techniques into their work. Kathakali's detailed system of codified gestures and expressions has influenced the development of physical theatre traditions. The elaborate makeup and costume traditions have inspired theatrical and cinematic design. The integration of music, dance, drama, and ritual in Kathakali has influenced contemporary approaches to total theatre. Kathakali workshops and training programs are conducted internationally, introducing theatre practitioners to the principles of this classical art form. The cross-cultural influence of Kathakali demonstrates the universal appeal of its aesthetic principles and the value of traditional performance knowledge for contemporary theatre practice.