Katakali Dancer Applying his Make-Up.
Kathakali is one of the oldest theatre forms in the world It originated in the area of southwestern India now known as the state of Kerala Kathakali is a group presentation in which dancers take various roles in performances traditionally based on themes from Hindu mythology especially the two epics the Ramayana and the Mahabharata 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 virtuous kings the divine 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 and ascetics have lustrous 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 To attain the high degree of flexibility and muscle control required for this art a Kathakali dancer undergoes a strenuous course of training and special periods of body massage The dancers wear large head dresses and the contours of the face are extended with moulded lime The extraordinary costumes and make up serve to raise the participants above the level of mere mortals so that they may transport the audience to a world of wonders The orchestra of a Kathakali performance includes two drums known as the chenda and the maddalam along with cymbals and another percussion instrument the ela taalam Normally two singers provide the vocal accompaniment The style of singing particular to Kathakali is called Sopaanam The orchestra of a Kathakali troupe is unique and provides not only the back
Size: 6048px × 4200px
Location: Fort Cochin, Kerala, South India.
Photo credit: © Huw Jones / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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