Classical Kerala Dance Drama
Kathakali (Malayalam） is a highly stylised classical Indian dance-drama noted for its attractive make-up of characters, their elaborate costumes, detailed gestures and well-defined body movements presented in tune with the anchor playback music and complementary percussion. It originated in the country's present day state of Kerala during the 16th century AD, approximately between 1555 and 1605, and has been updated over the years with improved looks, refined gestures and added themes besides more ornate singing and precise drumming. Kathakali is considered to be a combination of five elements of fine art: Expressions (Natyam, the component with emphasis on facial expressions) Dance (Nritham, the component of dance with emphasis on rhythm and movement of hands, legs and body) Enactment (Nrithyam, the element of drama with emphasis on "mudras", which are hand gestures) Song/vocal accompaniment (Geetha) Instrument accompaniment (Vadyam) Even though the lyrics/literature would qualify as another independent element called Sahithyam, it is considered as a component of Geetha or music, as it plays only a supplementary role to Nritham, Nrithyam and Natyam.
Size: 3354px × 5009px
Location: Verkala,Kerala,India
Photo credit: © Yan Liao / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: Yes
Keywords: art, artist, arts, asia, clasical, classical, close, close-, closeup, dance, dance-drama, dancedrama, drama, dramatic, india, indian, kathakali, ker, kerala, krishna, madeup, makeup, performer, south, traditio
