Kathakali:

The format of Ramanatam served as an inspiration for other legends and they were patterned on the same lines. Gradually this dance form acquired a new name ‘Kathkali’ meaning literally story – play. As in the case of Ramanatam and Krishnatam, Kathakaliis also of royal birth. Some kings were expert dancers and participated in performances.

Kathakali is a harmonious combination of five forms of fine art:  Literature (Sahithyam), Music (Sangeetham), Painting (Chithram), Acting (Natyam) Dance (Nritham) .

The role of each of these art forms is very vital in the making of Kathakaliwhat it is, the King of performing arts, particularly theatre. Kathakalias a dance form is not more than three hundred years old. Kathakalirepresents the distilled expression of a slow process where in difference dance and theatre traditions of Kerala and neighbouring regions have been combined and synthesised. It is a complete dedication of long years of hard training. It requires complete control of the body, and sensitivity of emotions so as to be able to render all the slight differences through facial expressions and hand gestures. For attaining the fluid grace the training include a special kind of body massage.

A Kathakaliperformance lasts all night. There is no stage no backdrop. The performers are all male and are trained to portray female roles. The eyes and hands play an important role and through gestures and expression a performer is able to create the illusion of a palace or a forest scene. Generally the themes are centred on the slaying of an evil adversary. This involves fury and violence with characters yelling, whirling, trampling, and growling. The significant costumes, makeup and the drumming transport the spectator into another world. The performances with their drama and spectacle have a compelling quality. Truly Kathakalirepresents the crowning achievement of the theatre traditions of India.

Major Kathakali Centers of Kerala

    1. Kerala Kalamandalam, Cheruthuruthy, Trissur District.
    2. P.S.V. Natyasangham, Kottakkal, Calicut District.
    3. Unnayivarrier Smaraka Kalanilayam, Iringalakkuda, Thrissur District.
    4. Gandhi Seva Sadanam, Pathirippala, Palakkad District.
    5. Cochin Cultural Centre, Cochin, Ernakulam District
    6. Art Kerala, Valanjambalam, Ernakulam District.
    7. Margi, Thiruvananthapuram, Thiruvananthapuram District.
    8. R.L.V. Thripunithura, Ernakulam Dt.