Kathakali, a traditional dance drama that has been developed for over 300 years in the southern state of Kerala, is one of India's four major classical dance forms. In the largest city of Kerala, Cochin, there are several highly-regarded theaters dedicated to preserving this cultural art form.
The performance I saw lasted about two and a half hours, with half of that time spent immersing myself in the atmosphere and energy of the space, along with the performers. Before the show began, the actors came onto the stage one by one, with the time it took for their makeup determining the order.
They walked around the stage and adjusted their positions according to the lighting, and then meticulously applied their makeup. During this process, their facial expressions gradually transformed, and their characters began to emerge.
As the performance started, the epic story unfolded with various characters taking the stage. The battle between the heroes and the villains began in earnest. The performers used exaggerated and highly skilled facial expressions, which drew the audience into the various "masks" they portrayed. Their rapid eye movements and expressive lips conveyed a wide range of different feelings, like joys and hardships of life.
I must say, their performance skills are not only dazzling but also truly remarkable, deserving our utmost respect.
Kerala Kathakali Centre KB Jacob Rd, Fort Nagar, Fort Kochi, Kochi. ➤ Book Now