Kerala Tradition & Fascinating Destinations 2014 Kerala Tradition & Destinations 2014 | Page 375

Kathakali: Kathakali is the classical dance form of Kerala which is believed
to have orginated in the 17th century A.D. It is a dramatic art where the
expression is the heart of its perfection. This spectacular dance form of
Kerala is based on the guidelines laid by Sage Bharatha’s Natya Sastra; the
ancient treatise on dance and drama, is over 500 years old. This elaborate
art form is an integreation of dance, music, poetry and histrionics. In
Kathakali, make up is an elaborate process, taking long time for its perfection which is very essential for the nature and personality of the character
being represented on the stage. Netrabhinaya is (abhinaya through the
eyes) a vital part in Kathakali. Generally there are some classifications for
Vesham. Thecha Vesham (painted make up), Thaddi Vesham (bearded make
up), Kari Vesham (black make up) and minukku Vesham (polished make up)
are important among them. Pacha and Kathi Vesham are the sub division of
Techa Vesham. Kathi Vesham representing evil characters while Pacha
(green) represented good and optimisticall characters. Thaddi has three
sub divisions. Vella (white) Chuvanna (Red) and Karutha (balck). Each
colour is representing for performing certain type of characters. There are
24 Mudras in Kathakali which enables to express the nine emotions. They
are called love, valour, fear, contempt, loathing, serenity, wonder, kindness
and anger. The Geetham (music) and the Vadhyam (musical instruments)
which combines together for the dramatic and excellent performance of
Kathakali, usually stories from the great epics like the Ramayana and the
Mahabharatha are taken up for Kathakali performance.
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TRADITION AND DESTINATIONS|TRADITIONAL ARTFORMS