Kathakali (Kerala)
Epic Theatre of Colour, Power and Symbolism
If Odissi is sculptural grace and Kathak is rhythmic storytelling, Kathakali is grand mythological theatre painted in living colour.
It is not merely dance — it is a complete performance tradition combining → Dance, Drama, Music, Martial discipline, Visual symbolism
Meaning and Origin
The word Kathakali is derived from:
- Katha → Story
- Kali → Performance
Thus, Kathakali literally means “Story Play.”
It originated in 17th-century Kerala.
Evolution – From Krishnanattam to Kathakali
Kathakali evolved through stages:
Step 1: Krishnanattam
A dance-drama depicting the life of Krishna.
Step 2: Ramanattam
Introduced by Kottarakkara Thampuran, focusing on the life of Rama.
Step 3: Kathakali
Over time, Ramanattam expanded in technique, costume, and dramatic structure, becoming Kathakali.
Thus, Kathakali evolved as a synthesis of devotional theatre and regional innovation.
Influences
Kathakali absorbed elements from Krishnanattam, Koodiyattam, Mudiyettu, Theyyam, Padayani
It also incorporated movements from Kerala’s martial art → Kalarippayattu. This martial influence explains Kathakali’s powerful body control and dramatic stances.
Literature – Aattakatha
The textual material of Kathakali is written in verse and called:
Aattakatha (“story for acting and dancing”).
Language → Manipravalam (mix of Malayalam and Sanskrit)
Main Features of Kathakali
🎭 Visual Spectacle
Kathakali is famous for → Elaborate makeup, Massive headgear (Kireedam), Colour symbolism, Layered costume
There are five major Veshams (makeup types):
| Vesham | Character Type |
|---|---|
| Pacha (Green) | Noble heroes |
| Kathi (Knife) | Arrogant villains |
| Thadi (Beard) | Superhuman beings (e.g., Hanuman) |
| Kari (Black) | Demonic characters |
| Minukku (Radiant) | Women & sages |
Makeup is prepared from vegetable dyes and rice paste. The face becomes a symbolic mask.
🔥 Performance Setting
- Performed traditionally at night
- Begins at dusk, continues till dawn
- Illuminated by a large oil lamp called Kalivilakku
Venues → Koothambalam (temple theatre halls)
Announcement → Kelikottu signals the beginning hours earlier.
🕺 Speechless Acting
Kathakali is unique because:
- The actors do not speak
- Dialogue is conveyed entirely through mudras
- Facial expressions and eye movements express emotion
Mudras are based on → Hasthalakshana Deepika
Eye control is so intense that separate exercises are practiced for → Eyebrows, Eyelids, Cheeks, Lips, Neck
Training includes oil massages and martial exercises.
⚔️ Themes
Stories are usually drawn from → Ramayana and Mahabharata
Themes often revolve around → Good vs Evil; Dharma vs Adharma
Thus, Kathakali is moral theatre.
👑 Royal Development
Unlike many classical dances that evolved in temples, Kathakali developed in Courts and theatres of Hindu kings of Kerala.
Repertoire of Kathakali (Short Notes)
- Performances are overnight events, beginning at dusk and continuing till dawn, sometimes extending for several consecutive days.
- Traditionally staged in Koothambalam (temple theatres within temple complexes).
- Kelikottu: Percussive announcement made a few hours before the performance begins.
- Thodayam: A pure (abstract) devotional dance performed behind a half-curtain.
- Purappadu: Preliminary pure dance performed without the curtain.
- The performance is entirely non-verbal.
- Dialogues are conveyed through mudras (hand gestures).
- Emotions (bhava) are expressed through facial expressions and intricate eye movements.
Costume Structure
Costume includes:
- Kireedam (ornamental headgear)
- Kanchukam (big jacket)
- Long pleated skirt
- Painted face (Vesham)
Kathakali has perhaps the most elaborate costume tradition among Indian classical dances.
Music in Kathakali
Music style:
- Sopanam style (indigenous Kerala form)
- Similar in structure to Carnatic music
Instruments:
- Maddalam (barrel drum)
- Chenda (cylindrical drum)
- Idakka (hourglass drum)
- Cymbals
- Gong
Two vocalists stand behind the actors and sing. The actor enacts through gesture and expression.
Institutional Centre
The premier institution for Kathakali training → Kerala Kalamandalam
Located in Thrissur district.
It institutionalised Kathakali education in the modern period.
Famous Exponents
Notable artists include:
- Kalamandalam Gopi
- Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair
- Sadanam Balakrishnan
- Kunju Nair
- Kanak Rele (among early women performers)
- Haripriya Namboodiri
Traditionally male-dominated, but women now perform professionally.