Kathakali - Classical Dance of Kerala
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Kathakali
is a theatrical dance form of Kerala, which you can see on tours with Kerala
Backwater. Known for its elaborate performances, which can last all night,
Kathakali was previously staged in only temples and the mansions of the
rulers of Kerala. Now Kathakali performances are open to all. Kathakali was
previously an all male dance form, with female characters also played by
men. Nowadays women too can train in the rigorous process of becoming a
Kathakali dancer and perform on stage in Kathakali events. Kathakali events
are held through the year and you can enjoy a Kathakali performance on your
tour to Kerala.
A Kathakali dance performance involves the enactment of an episode from the
epics, the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Indian mythology has many great heroes,
dramatic stories and eventful narratives. These colorful tales are depicted
in a Kathakali performance. The performers convey moods, emotions and inner
sensibilities by facial expressions and gestures. A vocalist sings the
narrative verse, while drums, cymbals and other instruments provide a
continuous musical accompaniment and sound effects at dramatic moments.
The costume of the Kathakali dance is a striking sight. The elaborate
facial paint made from rice power treated with various colors, is an
indication of the nature of the character being portrayed. The heroes have
green faces, the villains red or black, while the holy men and female
characters have yellow faces. Apart from facial make up, each performer
wears an elaborate costume, with a headdress, and layers of skirts, as well
as jewellery, anklets, bracelets and rings. The evil characters also wear
talons or beards to represent their beastly nature.
Traditionally Kathakali performances began in the evening on a raised
platform in the temple premises. Two helpers held a curtain across the stage
behind which the characters appeared at the beginning of each act and quick
changes of scenery and props took place. Kathakali has adapted for an indoor
stage performance. The curtain remains, as does the bare stage, which is
transformed when the music and drums begin their rhythmic murmur. The
performers stride on stage in their colorful costumes and begin the age-old
performance of a Kathakali dance drama. You're sure to be transformed into a
world of heroes, Gods, passion and warfare as you watch a Kathakali
performance unfold. The Gods themselves will seem to have appeared before
you in God's Own Country. Don't miss a Kathakali performance when you travel
to Kerala.
Mohiniattam :
Mohiniattam is also known as the Dance of the Celestial Enchantress. A
classical dance form of Kerala, Mohiniattam is performed by women only and
is known for its graceful, almost seductive movements and simple but elegant
costume. You can enjoy seeing a Mohiniattam performance on tours of Kerala.
According to Hindu mythology when the Gods and demons churned the celestial
ocean to produce a pot of ambrosia, the demons plotted to steal it, while
the Gods wanted the ambrosia for themselves. Vishnu, one of the Gods in the
Indian trinity appears the form of a celestial enchantress and mesmerizes
the demons thus ensuring that the Gods were the only recipients of the
ambrosia, which gave them immortality.
It is this myth of Mohini - the enchantress - that forms the core of
Mohiniattam. Historically Mohiniattam was performed by temple dancers or
devadasis in Kerala. In the 19th century, Swati Tirunal, the enlightened
ruler of Travancore in Southern Kerala promoted its study. Swati Tirunal
composed many of the musical arrangements and vocal accompaniments, which
are hymns in praise of Vishnu, and provide the musical backdrop for the
Mohiniattam dancers performance. The Malayalam poet Vallathol, an important
literary figure in Kerala, who established the Kerala Kalamandalam dance
school in 1930, was instrumental in reviving the Mohiniattam dance form.
Previously performed solo, Mohinattam is now also performed by groups of
female dancers.
The Mohiniattam dancer wears a cream or off-white colored sari with a
border of gold brocade. The dancer's hair is gathered in a bun that is worn
at the side of the head and decorated with jasmine flowers. Gold jewellery
including necklaces, bangles, waistbands and anklets adorn the body of the
dancer and their tinkling makes music as she dances. Instruments such as the
violin, veena and mridangam provide musical accompaniment to the Mohiniattam
dancer, who describes episodes from the epics and legends through graceful
steps, rhythmic movements of her arms and trained facial expressions. The
Hastha Lakshandeepika, a classical text, is the basis for the expressive
gestures of the hands and arms in Mohiniattam.
Prepare
to be enchanted by the dance of the celestial enchantress, as you watch a
Mohiniattam dance performance, when you travel to Kerala
Kalaripayattu :
Kalaripayattu is possibly the oldest Martial art still practised in the
world. This martial art form that originated in Kerala, India, derives its
name from "Kalari" or the arena in which the combatants fight and "payattu"
which means practice in Malayalam the language of Kerala. The fighting rink
is the theatre where the disciple of Kalaripayattu displays his prowess.
Nowadays Kalaripayattu is practised more as fitness training and as a
demonstration sport, which you can see on tours of Kerala with Kerala
Backwater. In earlier times Kalaripayattu was practised as a fighting skill
by the warriors in the armies of the Kings and warlords of Kerala. Often
conflicts between courtiers and disputes between landlords in Kerala, were
settled by bouts of Kalaripayattu.
Kalaripayattu is an art of combat, which combines the strength and
flexibility of the body with the discipline and focus of the mind.
Kalaripayattu is related to yoga and Ayurveda. The disciple of the martial
art of Kalaripayattu does the smooth flowing exercises of yoga to flex his
muscles before going on to practicing the more energetic fighting routines
of Kalaripayattu. Massage with Ayurvedic oils is an important part of the
Kalaripayattu routine.
There are two main forms of Kalaripayattu which you can see on tours of
Kerala. The Vadakkan form or the Northern Style and the Thekkan form or the
southern style, differ in the speed and flow of their movements.
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