What is Kathakalī?
Kathakalī is structured around plays called Attakatha (literally, "enacted story" ), written in Sanskritized Malayalam. These plays are written in a particular format that helps identify the "action" and the "dialogue" parts of the performance.
Where did Kathakali dance originate?
Zarrilli states that the 16th and 17th centuries witnessed development of Kathakali as a unique form of classical dance in the coastal belt of southern India which have Malayalam speaking populace. Image Credit: keralatourism.org
Who established Kathakali as an international art form?
The Kathakali artists from Olapammanna transferred to the Kerala Kalamandalam to form the first group of teachers [ashan`s] who together established Kathakali as an international art form.
What are the best places to study Kathakali in Kottakal?
Other institutions to include PSV Natyasnagam Kottakal, Margi Kathakali School, Kalanilayam Irinjadakkuda and Sadanam Kathakali School have all contributed to the preservation and development of Kathakali into the 21st century.
Where is Kathakali dance located?
KeralaIt is a "story play" genre of art, but one distinguished by the elaborately colourful make-up, costumes and face masks that the traditionally male actor-dancers wear. Kathakali is a performing art in the Malayalam-speaking southwestern region of Kerala.
Which place is famous for Kathakali?
Kerala kalamandalam is located at Cheruthuruthy, Thrissur, India.It is famous for Kathakali artform.
Which country is Kathakali?
IndiaKathakali emerged in the southwestern region of India (modern Kerala), and is distinctive in its elaborate codified colorful makeup, masks and costumes.
Why is Kathakali famous in which state is famous?
The Correct Answer is Kerala. Kathakali is a classical dance form of Kerala. Kathakali is a blend of dance, music, and acting and dramatizes stories, which are mostly adapted from the Indian epics. The dancers enact the roles (kings, gods, demons etc.)
What is the state of Kathakali?
state of KeralaKathakali comes from southwestern India, around the state of Kerala. Like bharatanatyam, kathakali is a religious dance.
Where can I see Kathakali in Kerala?
There are several centers in Kerala where you can enjoy this classical art form:Kerala Kalamandalam. ... Folklore Museum. ... Kathakali Club. ... Kerala Kathakali Centre. ... Margi Theatre. ... Kadathanadan Kalari Centre & Navarasa Kathakali. ... 7 Resorts in Munnar that are Close to Nature. ... 10 Reasons Why You Should Visit India in 2018.More items...
Which dance is famous in Kerala?
KathakaliMohiniyattam, (Malayalam: മോഹിനിയാട്ടം), is an Indian classical dance form that developed and remained popular in the state of Kerala. Kathakali is another classical dance form of Kerala.
Who is the God of Kathakali?
Zarrilli also opines that presumably the dance-drama art form called 'Krishnanattam' that illustrates legends from the life of Lord Krishna is a precursor of 'Kathakali'. 'Krishnanattam' dance form developed under the auspices of the Zamorin ruler of Calicut, Sri Manavedan Raja ((1585-1658 AD).
What is national dance of India?
Bharatanatyam is the national dance of India.
What Kathakali means?
Definition of kathakali : a spectacular lyric dance drama of southern India based on Hindu literature and performed with acrobatic energy and highly stylized pantomime — compare bharata natya, kathak, manipuri.
Which state dance is kuchipudi?
state of Andhra Pradeshkuchipudi, one of six classical dance styles of India. Kuchipudi is indigenous to the state of Andhra Pradesh and differs from the other five classical styles by the inclusion of singing.
Who is the famous dancer of Kathakali in Kerala?
The famous dancers of Kathakali include Kalamandalam Gopi, Kalamandalam Krishna Prasad, Kottakal Sivaraman, Kalamandalam Ramankutty Nair, Kalamandalam Vasu Pisharody, Kavungal Chathunni Panicker.
Where is Kathakali from?
It is indigenousto southwestern India, particularly the state of Kerala, and is based on subject matter from the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and stories from Shaivaliterature.
What is the movement of the Bharata Natyam?
The movement is vigorous and florid. Stylized gestures and facial expressions follow the rules of bharata natyam. Gestures are wide and strong, the pointing of a finger being preceded by a sweep of the body and a great circling of the arms. Faces are made up to look like painted masks.
What is Kathakali based on?
Like most other classical dance forms of India, Kathakali is also based on Natya Shastra, the ancient treatise on dance, written by Sage Bharata. However, Kathakali relies on Hasthalakshana Deepika, another classical text for its hand gestures. YouTube. KeralaCulture.
What is the text of Kathakali songs?
This makes Kathakali music a very important component of this art form. The text of Kathakali songs is known as Attakkatha. Chenda, Maddalam, Chengila and Elaththalam are the instruments used with Kathakali music. Like most other classical dance forms of India, Kathakali is also based on Natya Shastra, the ancient treatise on dance, ...
How long does it take to make a Kathakali play?
It needs 6 to 8 hours to present the complete version of a Kathakali play. The spectacular costumes and colourful make up are the other major features of Kathakali. It takes 3-5 hours for the facial make up of most of the characters. The make up and costume of characters are designed to highlight their characters.
How many years of training is required to perform Kathakali?
To perform Kathakali, an artist needs minimum 4 to 5 years of training. Kathakali was in peril and on the verge of extinction in the beginning of 20 th century. Renowned Poet Vallaththol Narayana Menon and Manakkulam Mukunda Raja took the initiative to set up Kerala Kalamandalam, a centre of excellence for classical art forms at Cheruthuruthy in ...
What is the classical dance form of Kerala?
Kathakali is a classical dance form of Kerala, demanding long years of training. Believed to have evolved from Ramanattam, another classical art form composed by Kottarakkara Thampuran, Kathakali incorporates the techniques of some of the major ritual art forms of Kerala.
How long does it take to paint a Kathakali face?
It takes 3-5 hours for the face painting of most of the male characters. Primarily, the face of the artisan is painted so as to mimic a mask, where they represent a particular type ...
Is Kathakali an art form?
Kathakali is an essential art form of God’s Own Country that requires many years of arduous training. Kathakali was on the verge of extinction at the beginning of the 20th century until iconic poet Vallaththol Narayana Menon and Manakkulam Mukunda Raja intervened.
What is the Kathakali?
Kathakali with its magnificent costumes and make-up, complex drumming, sensitive singing and powerful acting will survive and continue to inspire, educate and entice people from all over the world into the splendour of Kathakali .
What was the name of the troupe that developed Kathakali?
At the end of the 17th century a number of Kathakali Troupes called Kali Yogam were established to develop Kathakali. The Kali Yagam was managed by the lead actor who was responsible for the training, rehearsals [that took place in the monsoon season] and arranged the performances in the temples throughout Kerala.
What is Kala Chathena Kathakali Company?
The Kala Chathena Kathakali Company is a registered charity with a mission is to increase understanding and enjoyment of Kathakali and non western theatre for all ages and abilities.
What are the institutions that contribute to Kathakali?
Other institutions to include PSV Natyasnagam Kottakal, Margi Kathakali School, Kalanilayam Irinjadakkuda and Sadanam Kathakali School have all contributed to the preservation and development of Kathakali into the 21st century.
Which family supported Kathakali?
Olappammana situated in the small village of Vellinazhri was the home of the Namboodiri family who supported Kathakali for 300 hundred years. They played an important role in the preservation of Kathakali and the creation of great Kathakali masters.
Who founded the Kalamandalam?
The poet Vallathol Narayanan, Menon, and Mukunda Raja, founded the Kerala Kalamandalam in the village of Cheruthuruthy to preserve the arts of Kerala. The Kathakali artists from Olapammanna transferred to the Kerala Kalamandalam to form the first group of teachers [ashan`s] who together established Kathakali as an international art form.
Who is the grandfather of modern Kathakali?
Ithiraricha Menon, was one of the original teachers at Olapammanna Manna, the grandfather of modern Kathakali and the creator of Kalluzhari style Kathakali. Kathakali, and the other classical arts of Kerala, were suffering in the early part of the 20th century.
How long has Kathakali been around?
Views and opinions regarding the roots of ‘Kathakali’ vary due to its somewhat ambiguous background. While Jones and Ryan mention that this genre of performing art dates back to over 500 years, according to Mahinder Singh its roots are way more ancient dating back to around 1500 years.
What is the genre of Kathakali?
Image Credit: utsavpedia.com. ‘Kathakali’, an important genre in the Indian classical dance form, is associated with storytelling form of this art. It is the dance drama from the south Indian state of Kerala. Similar to other Indian classical dance arts, the story in ‘Kathakali’ is also communicated to audience through excellent footwork ...
What is Kathakali dance?
Kathakali Dance – Classical Dance of Kerala, History & Exponents. Kathakali is the dance drama from the south Indian state of Kerala. Let’s have a look at its history, repertoire and exponents. Cultural India : Dances of India : Indian Classical Dances : Kathakali Dance.
How is Kathakali communicated?
Similar to other Indian classical dance arts, the story in ‘Kathakali’ is also communicated to audience through excellent footwork and impressive gestures of face and hands complimented with music and vocal performance. However it can be distinguished from the others through the intricate and vivid make-up, unique face masks ...
What are the three major drums in Kathakali?
A ‘Kathakali’ performance includes various instruments that encompass three major drums namely ‘Itaykka’, ‘Centa’ and ‘Maddalam’. Music plays a significant role in this form of classical art creating variations of tones setting and corresponding to the mood of a particular scene.
What is the meaning of the word "Kali"?
Traditionally the name of this dance form was deduced by joining two words, ‘Katha’ and ‘Kali’ where ‘Katha’ in Sanskrit means a traditional tale or story and ‘Kali’ derived from ‘Kala’ refers to art and performance. Views and opinions regarding the roots of ‘Kathakali’ vary due to its somewhat ambiguous background.
Who is the famous exponent of Kathakali?
Famous Exponents. Kavungal Chathunni Panicker, a celebrated and veteran performer of this field, is a scion of the famous Kavungal family associated with ‘Kathakali’ for six generations. Kalamandalam Gopi, a renowned name in ‘Kathakali’ with a career of over 30 years, is one of the most eminent representatives of the Kalluvazhi School of Kerala.
Where did Kathakali originate?
Kathakali is an ancient form of theater that originated in the state of Kerala in India. This Sanskrit word literally means "story play." It is one of the oldest theater forms in the world and is distinguished by the elaborate makeup and costumes that the performers wear, as well as the symbolic gestures and dance movements.
How long does a kathakali last?
Traditionally, a kathakali would begin in the evening and last until dawn. Today, many are abridged versions, lasting four hours or less. There are 101 classic stories that can be staged in a kathakali, but less than a third are performed today.
Overview
Kathakali (Malayalam: കഥകളി) is a major form of classical Indian dance. It is a "story play" genre of art, but one distinguished by the elaborately colourful make-up, costumes and face masks that the traditionally male actor-dancers wear. Kathakali is a performing art in the Malayalam-speaking southwestern region of Kerala.
Kathakalī's roots are unclear. The fully developed style of Kathakalī originated around the 17th c…
Etymology and nomenclature
The term Kathakali is derived from Kathā (Sanskrit: कथा) which means "story or a conversation, or a traditional tale", and kaḷi (Malayalam: കളി) which means "performance" or "play". The dance symbolises the eternal fight between good and evil.
History
Elements and aspects of Kathakalī are taken from ancient Sanskrit texts such as the Natya Shastra. The kathakali is attributed to sage Bharata, and its first complete compilation is dated to between 200 BCE and 200 CE, but estimates vary between 500 BCE and 500 CE.
The most studied version of the Natya Shastra text consists of about 6000 verses structured into 36 chapters. The text, states Natalia Lidova, describes the theory of Tāṇḍava dance (Shiva), the …
Repertoire
Kathakalī is structured around plays called Attakatha (literally, "enacted story" ), written in Sanskritized Malayalam. These plays are written in a particular format that helps identify the "action" and the "dialogue" parts of the performance. The Sloka part is the metrical verse, written in third person – often entirely in Sanskrit - describing the action part of the choreography. The Pada part contains the dialogue part. These Attakatha texts grant considerable flexibility to the actor…
Songs and musical instruments
The play is in the form of verses that are metered and lyrical, sung by vocalists whose voice has been trained to various melodies (ragas), music and synchronized with the dance-acting on the stage. The vocalists not only deliver the lines, but help set the context and express the inner state of the character by modulating their voice. For example, anger is expressed by the use of sharp high voice and pleading is expressed by the use of a tired tone.
Traditional plays
Over five hundred Kathakalī plays (Aattakatha) exist, most of which were written before the 20th century. Of these, about four dozen are most actively performed. These plays are sophisticated literary works, states Zarrilli, and only five authors have written more than two plays. The late 17th century Unnayi Variyar, in his short life, produced four plays which are traditionally considered the most expressive of the Kathakali playwrights. Typically, his four plays are performed on four nigh…
Styles: Sampradayam
Kathakalī has lineages or distinctive schools of play interpretation and dance performance called Sampradayam. These developed in part because of the Gurukul system of its transmission from one generation to the next. By the 19th-century, many such styles were in vogue in Malayalam speaking communities of South India, of which two major styles have crystallized and survived into the modern age.
Training centres and awards
Kathakali has traditionally been an art that has continued from one generation to the next through a guru-disciples (gurukkula ) based training system. Artist families tended to pick promising talent from within their own extended families, sometimes from outside the family, and the new budding artist typically stayed with his guru as a student and treated like a member of the family. The guru provided both the theoretical and practical training to the student, and the disciple would accom…