Kathakali is a traditional Indian dance-drama that originated in the state of Kerala.
The word kathakali is Sanskrit for "story play".
The art form is a combination of dance, music, and acting.
It features actors who use facial expressions and hand gestures to tell stories.
The stories are often based on Indian epics, such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
Here are some characteristics of Kathakali:
Storytelling: The dance involves footwork, hand gestures, facial expressions, music, and vocal performance.
Makeup and costumes: The performers wear elaborate makeup and costumes. There are seven basic makeup types used in Kathakali.
Themes: The themes are based on Hinduism and yogic philosophy.
Performance: The presentation is an all-night function that takes place outdoors.
Kathakali developed in the mid-seventeenth century. It draws influences from other performance traditions. Men traditionally played all roles, but women now train and perform in some troupes.
The term Kathakali is derived from katha (Malayalam: കഥ, from Sanskrit) which means "story or a conversation, or a traditional tale", and kaḷi (Malayalam: കളി) which means "performance" or "play". The dance symbolises the eternal fight between good and evil.
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Kathakali is a traditional Indian dance-drama that originated in the state of Kerala.
The word kathakali is Sanskrit for "story play".
The art form is a combination of dance, music, and acting.
It features actors who use facial expressions and hand gestures to tell stories.
The stories are often based on Indian epics, such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
Here are some characteristics of Kathakali:
Storytelling: The dance involves footwork, hand gestures, facial expressions, music, and vocal performance.
Makeup and costumes: The performers wear elaborate makeup and costumes. There are seven basic makeup types used in Kathakali.
Themes: The themes are based on Hinduism and yogic philosophy.
Performance: The presentation is an all-night function that takes place outdoors.
Kathakali developed in the mid-seventeenth century. It draws influences from other performance traditions. Men traditionally played all roles, but women now train and perform in some troupes.
The term Kathakali is derived from katha (Malayalam: കഥ, from Sanskrit) which means "story or a conversation, or a traditional tale", and kaḷi (Malayalam: കളി) which means "performance" or "play". The dance symbolises the eternal fight between good and evil.