By: Heather Ruby
History of the Kathakali
Dance
Originated in the Kerala
State
Began in the 16th and
17th century
Means “story-play”
Influenced by
Koodiyattom and
Krishnanattom
The raja, Chieftain, of
Kottarakkara wrote the
first play.
Choreography
Keli announces the
play
Totayam
Purappatu
Accentuating Dance
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Kalasams
Iratti
Tonkaram
Nalamiratti
Actors
Nayar Caste
Begin at the age of
10 or 12
Matures at age 40
Have Brahmin
patrons
Only males
Navarasam
Love
Valour
Ridicule
Fear
Sadness
Repulsive
Anger
Wonder
Peace
Make-Up and Costumes
Several hours to apply
Chutty
Chutty contains ricepaste, lime, and
coconut oil
Wear long, silver nails
Wear wooden
headpieces
Wear large, circular
skirts
Character Types
Pacca –”green”, hero
Kathi –”knife”, heroic
but lustful
Tati –”beard”
Kari –”black” demoness
Minukku –”radiant” for
females
Teppu –”special”
Stage
On ground level
No background
Uses an oil lamp
About 16-20 square
feet
2 people hold the
curtain
Performed anywhere
Overhead canopy
Small, wooden stool
Music
Old Karnatic school
of music
Singers
Cymbals
Gong
Drums
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Cendra
Maddalam
Itaykka
Bibliography
http://www.cyberkerala.com/kathakali/katha1.htm
http://www.cyberkerala.com/kathakali/
http://www.cyberkerala.com/kathakali/navarasam.htm
http://adaniel.tripod.com/Pictures/kathakali.htm
http://www.silentculture.org/creation/Katha.html
http://www.geocities.com/rameshmenon/kathakali.htm
http://www.spiderkerala.com/kerala/information/
http://www.emory.edu/ENGLISH/Bahri/katha.html
http://www.orgpeople.com/org-projects/keralatheatre/dance/kathakali/