It is Kerala's very own, much celebrated dance drama.
Kathakali evolved in the 8th century from 'Ramanattam' a dance drama
created by Kottarakkara Thampuran, a great admirer and promoter of
traditional art forms. Kathakali draws its theme from the wealth of
Indian mythology and folklore. The performer is assisted by vocal and
percussion accompaniments while the dancer through 'hasta mudras' or
hand gestures expounds the theme. Expressions of face and eyes hold the
key to perfection. Unique among the Indian dance forms, Kathakali ranks
high among the Indian dance forms. Noted for its archaic costumes, weird
make up, the elaborately painted faces often mistaken for masks and
grand headgears, Kathakali is perhaps the only dance form in India in
which the masculine aspect of the dance is preserved in its elemental
vigor.
Some of the noted Kathakali centres in Kochi are India Foundation
located at Kalathiparambil Road, near the Ernakulam Junction Railway
station where the daily show begins at 6.45 p.m., the Cochin Cultural
Centre situated at Manikath Road, behind Medical Trust Hospital where
the daily show begins at 7 pm, Art Kerala situated at Kannanthodathu
lane, Valanjambalam and one may also catch the exotic shows of the dance
at Kerala Kathakali Centre functions at Fort Cochin near the Chinese
Fishing Nets.
