KK Gopalakrishnan has recently unveiled a fascinating book, “Kathakali Dance Theatre: A Visual Narrative of Sacred Indian Mime”. The book provides an inside view into the Kathakali world, highlighting the green room, artists’ challenges, and unique bonds formed during lengthy makeup sessions.
What is Kathakali? Origin and History
Kathakali originated in the 17th century in the kingdom of Travancore, present-day Kerala. Initially performed within temple precincts, it eventually gained popularity in royal courts. Based on the ancient dance treatise Natya Shastra by Sage Bharata, Kathakali also draws from another classical text, Hasthalakshana Deepika, for its hand gestures. In the early 20th century, it neared extinction. However, renowned Poet Vallaththol Narayana Menon and Manakkulam Mukunda Raja took proactive steps to establish Kerala Kalamandalam, a centre for excellence in classical art forms, reviving Kathakali.
Dance and Music of Kathakali
Kathakali skilfully combines elements of dance, music, mime, and drama. It features highly stylised movements with complex footwork, rhythmic swaying, and a variety of hand gestures, known as mudras. Performers use facial expressions, or rasas, to portray emotions and narrate stories. Kathakali songs are sung in Manipravalam, a blend of Malayalam and Sanskrit, with the text referred to as Attakkatha. Major instruments used in Kathakali music include Chenda, Maddalam, Chengila, and Elaththalam.
Kathakali Make-up and Characterisation
Kathakali make-up is classified into five categories based on character type. Pacha (green) signifies noble and heroic characters like gods, kings, and sages. Katti (knife) represents anti-heroes or villains with nobility or bravery. Thadi (beard) is used for different character types: divine or benevolent characters have a Vella Thadi (white beard), evil or demonic characters have a Chuvanna Thadi (red beard), and forest dwellers or hunters have a Karutha Thadi (black beard). Kari (black) denotes evil, cruel, or grotesque characters like demons or witches. Minukku (radiant) is used for gentle, virtuous, or refined characters such as women, sages, or Brahmins. The costumes are vibrant and lavish, adorned with heavy jewellery and large headdresses.
Recent Developments in Kathakali
Traditionally an all-male performance, Kathakali has gradually accepted female performers, who have trained and taken on various roles. Besides the traditional stories from Hindu epics and Puranas, Kathakali now features themes from other sources such as Shakespearean plays, social issues, historical events, and contemporary topics.
The Relevance of Kathakali Today
Kathakali is a complex art form that necessitates familiarity with its gestural language, makeup codes, and narratives for complete appreciation. The advent of modern technology, including improved acoustics and microphones, has contributed to a resurgence in Kathakali music and its popularity.
Understanding Sattriya
In reference to the famous Sattriya dance, it is a combination of music, dance, and drama originating from Assam’s Vaishnavites. It draws upon classical Ragas and Talas of devotional songs composed by Tulsidas, Kabir, and Mirabai. The dance form comprises dance-drama performances based on Ekasarana tradition (Krishna-centric Vaishnavism cult) founded by 15th century Bhakti saint Srimanta Sankardeva. The music primarily relies on Borgeets, composed by Srimanta Sankardeva and Madhavdeva in the 15th-16th centuries, which are a collection of lyrical songs set to specific Ragas.
