Kathakali Performing Art, Kerala - TravellerG

[TravellerG]

Dear all,

As a performing artist, on the request of my colleagues, I am presenting this post, for you all; hope you all will like.

Kathakali is one of the major Indian classical dances, with its origin from Kerala. In a typical classical performance, the team renders a Full Story, overnight! The performing artists include the Actors with elaborately colourful costumes (with facemasks), accompanied by Vocal & Instrumental artists.

This is one of the most popular Tourist Attraction, and the art is performed as, from 45 minutes to two & half hours performance, for the tourists (usually with detailed explanations).

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In the famous Kerala Kalamandalam, Kathakali is taught, in the most traditional & classical style.

For details, I invite you to  Wiki  - Kathakali and Kerala Kalamandapam 

In this series, I have tried to provide photos, with importance to the facial expressions, which can be easily understood, I hope. [The photos are from my collections & not shot by me – I could not locate mine, which will be published later. Another simplified form of this art, called ‘Ottamthullal’, will also be published, shortly].

Dear @LucioV  @davidhyno  @BeatrizAguilar @Kamalhasnainee @HiroyukiTakisawa @Saravanakanth @SalmaanN @Anonymous @Shrut19 @aaryesdee. when free, kindly comment.

Thanks, all..

[RadieN]

Hi @TravellerG,

Thank you for your great post! I have studied about Kathakali performances at university and I was fascinated by their colourful costumes and make-up. I have heard that sometimes their make-up takes about 5 hours to be ready. 

So you are a performing artist? Are you performing Kathakali?

[aaryesdee]

@TravellerG

Thanks for a great review on Kathakali literally meaning Katha means Story and Kali means Play. Kathakali is a traditional dance form originated from Kerala and there were few great artists like Guru Chengannur Raman Pillai and Chenda Vidvan Warrier who is still remembered for their contributions.

I been to a Kathakali show last month at Mudra Cultural Centre, Kumily and few pictures are attached herewith.

[TravellerG]

Namasthe dear @RadieN,

Thank you for your great post! I have studied about Kathakali performances at university and I was fascinated by their colourful costumes and make-up. I have heard that sometimes their make-up takes about 5 hours to be ready.

 In some complicated make-up cases, they even go more than 8 Hours (or even much more); It's a different world, as you know.

 So you are a performing artist? Are you performing Kathakali?

Appreciate your inquisitiveness:

My father was a Kathakali Artist. By Grace of God & blessings from my father & Gurus, I play Sitar & Thabala.

Thanks for your reply.

[Shrut19]

Namskar..

@TravellerG

Very old and Famous Dance form in India also very impressive Facial expressions.. all Photo also Very Beautiful and Attractive, with Details..

Thanks for Sharing this beautiful Dance culture of Our India..

[TravellerG]

Thank you very much, dear @aaryesdee for your detailed reply. I am also thankful contributions of Kathakali photos - your gesture is highly appreciated, dear friend.

With regards & prayers

[TravellerG]

Thank you dear @Shrut19, Yes, it is an ancient form of Classical Art, from Kerala. Hope you enjoyed the shots.

Regards

[HiroyukiTakisawa]

Thank you for sharing this @TravellerG

It's a beautiful and historic art!

It looks so hard, but such a traditional dance is a very important culture. Please pass down it to the next generation:-)

[BorrisS]

Hello @TravellerG,

Thank you for these beautiful pictures! 

I've always been amazed by all kind of Indian dances, Bharat Natyam, Kathak, ... etc. Kathakali, if I'm not mistaken tells the story of the Mahabharata using special gestures.

Next to Hindu temples, Kathakali is the second reason why I would like one day to visit Kerala. 🙂

[aaryesdee]

@Borris

Hi

To visit God's own Country, plan for minimum 10 days. You will enjoy.

Thanks & Regards

aaryesdee