9 Jul 2004 - Kathakali dance drama performance from South India
Today we were treated to a workshop and performance of KATHAKALI, by Kalamadalam Vijayakumar.
Kathakali is one of the oldest theatre forms in the world. It originated in the area of southwestern India Dancers take various roles in performances traditionally based on themes from Hindu mythology.
One of the most interesting aspects of Kathakali is its elaborate make-up code. Characters are categorized according to their nature. This determines the colours used in the make-up. The faces of noble male characters, such as the hero Rama, etc., are predominantly green. Characters of high birth who have an evil streak, such as the demon king Ravana, are allotted a similar green make-up, slashed with red marks on the cheeks. Extremely angry or excessively evil characters wear predominantly red make-up and a flowing red beard. Forest dwellers such as hunters are represented with a predominantly black make-up base. Women have yellowish faces.
The technique of Kathakali includes a highly developed language of gesture, through which the artist can convey whole sentences and stories. The body movements and footwork are very rigourous!
The dancers wear large head dresses, and the contours of the face are extended with moulded lime. The extraordinary costumes and make-up help transport the performers above the level of mere mortals, so that they can transport the audience to a world of wonders.
WOW!!
Kathakali is one of the oldest theatre forms in the world. It originated in the area of southwestern India Dancers take various roles in performances traditionally based on themes from Hindu mythology.
One of the most interesting aspects of Kathakali is its elaborate make-up code. Characters are categorized according to their nature. This determines the colours used in the make-up. The faces of noble male characters, such as the hero Rama, etc., are predominantly green. Characters of high birth who have an evil streak, such as the demon king Ravana, are allotted a similar green make-up, slashed with red marks on the cheeks. Extremely angry or excessively evil characters wear predominantly red make-up and a flowing red beard. Forest dwellers such as hunters are represented with a predominantly black make-up base. Women have yellowish faces.
The technique of Kathakali includes a highly developed language of gesture, through which the artist can convey whole sentences and stories. The body movements and footwork are very rigourous!
The dancers wear large head dresses, and the contours of the face are extended with moulded lime. The extraordinary costumes and make-up help transport the performers above the level of mere mortals, so that they can transport the audience to a world of wonders.
WOW!!