PERFORMING ARTS OF KERALA

KATHAKALI :

Kathakali, the renowned stage drama of Kerala, possibly had its beginnings in ancient drama methods of the 2nd century AD. However, the comtemperory form dates from the 17th century.

Kathakali literally means, story play and the kathakali performances is the dramatized presentation of a play. Originally there were 100 plays, but now only about 30 are performed, based on the Indian epics of the Ramayan and the Mahabharath as well as Puranas. And with each great story, there are complex characters. Kathakali performers, through their skillful movement, gesture and expressions, dramatize the traits of the various characters of the play, while singers and musicians narrate the story. Traditional performances take many hours, but there are shortened versions.

MOHINIYATTAM :

Mohiniyattam literally means, dance of the celestian enchantress. This sensual dance form of Kerala, is usually performed as a solo dance.

Slow, graceful, swaying movements of the body and limbs and highly emotive eye and hand gestures are unique to this art form. The simple, elegant gold-filigreed dress, in pure white or ivory, is akin to the traditional attire of the women of Kerala.

THULLAL :

Thullal is a classical solo dance form, of Kerela, which comes closer to contemporary life, and is marked for its simplicity, wit and humour.

Staged during temple festivals, the performer explicates the verses through expressive gestures. The themes are based on mythology. This satiric art form was introduced in the18th century by the renowned poet of Kerala, Kunchan Nambiar.

THIRUVATHIRAKALI :

Thiruvathirakali is a dance performed by a group of women, in order to attain everlasting marital bliss, on Thiruvathira day in the Malayalam month of Dhanu (December- January). The sinuous movements executed the dancers around a nilavilakku, embody 'lasya' or the amorous charm and grace of the feminine.

KALARIPAYATTU :

Kalaripayattu is considered as one of the oldest martial art forms in the world. The art is practiced in a small enclosure called the kalari, which is 21 feet by 42 feet. Practise within the kalari is taken as an almost religious exercise. In this martial art form, mind and body need to work in harmony.