Kathakali is a classical dance-form from Kerala and sadly enough, it’s one that is understood and/or appreciated by very few people. The reason may stem from the fact that Kathakali does not even lend itself to easy appreciation. Unless you follow Malayalam or Sanskrit, there is no way that the music can make any sense to you. As for the hand gestures(mudras), the lesser said the better. It is tough to understand/appreciate Kathakali. Unless of course, you get turned on by the sound of drums. Or the sight of magnificent costumes. Or superb facial emoting. Oh, it’s like a drug that gets into your system… I have spent long and sleepless nights in mosquito-ridden school grounds watching Duryodhana Vadham and Santhanagopalam. I have totally fallen in love with the romance in Nalacharitham. I have shed tears watching Sudama and Krishna’s emotional reunion after long years of separation. It’s so enchanting, the music, the drums, the passion, the intensity, the emotions…
I’ve been incredibly lucky to have two artistic parents who encouraged Geetu and me to learn Kathakali. We were even luckier because we got to train under one of the finest teachers of Kathakali. I’ve never had a better teacher than him, dance, music, school, whatever. We performed, we danced, we were great in those years. The memory of the stage, the face paint, the rice-flour make-up, the metres and metres of cloth we wound around our thin waists, the sheer exhaustion, the sweat… lingers on. In one of the last performances, I played the role of Dusshaasana in Duryodhana Vadham which is technically speaking, the story of the killing of Dusshaasana. Chitra played the role of Bheema who finally kills Dusshaasana. As the last scene unfolded, the fatigue got to both of us. We managed to end the scene gracefully with a lot of cuts and *nicks*. It was magical… inexpressible.
Duryodhana Vadham is to be performed this Saturday in Atlanta. It will be one helluva nostalgic performance. Btw, this is the same costume that I had donned for playing the part of Dusshaasana. Tough to believe, hmmm?
splitpeasoup says:
I must confess I know nothing about Kathakali, but I do get turned on by the drums, costumes, makeup, and facial emoting – it is awesome!
Maybe if I had grown up in the culture I could have understood and appreciated it better.
March 22, 2005 — 6:53 pm
Lakshmi says:
It’s brilliant, I agree… Btw, the troupe is going to perform in Portland on April 15. Kala Kendra is organising a performance, I believe. http://anamica.org/tourKathakali.html gives details, in case you’re interested.
March 22, 2005 — 7:40 pm
arunshanbhag says:
Now Kathakali! WoW L! Kuch Jawab Hi Nahin!
I have watched similar dances as a kid in rural India. I did not understand the language, nor the finer points of the gestures. I was just mesmermized by the light and brilliant colors, constantly swirling on stage. By the oohs and Aahs from the audience I realized something important transpired, but I didn’t understand one word – and didn’t care. Haven’t seen one of those performances in ages.
So tell me, are you participating in this performance?
Enjoy!
March 22, 2005 — 7:00 pm
Lakshmi says:
Alas, I left Kathakali many years back. Rather Kathakali left me…:-)
College, job, friends… the usual interventions. I wonder if I’ll ever get to learn again, let alone perform…:-(
March 22, 2005 — 7:41 pm
arunshanbhag says:
can you not pick it up again. I am certain there are classes in the Atlanta area looking for part-time teachers. It appears to be a good way to keep fit as well.
March 23, 2005 — 4:02 am
Lakshmi says:
Not for Kathakali, Arun… It isn’t as popular as the other classical dance forms. As for fitness, you bet!!! It really kept me healthy and full of stamina…
March 23, 2005 — 5:01 am
fugney says:
How Duryodhana Vadham is about the killing of dusshassana?
March 22, 2005 — 11:47 pm
Lakshmi says:
The actual play includes both Duryodhana’s as well as Dusshaasana’s death but most of the times, only Dusshaasana’s killing is performed.
March 23, 2005 — 5:03 am
fugney says:
Because Bhima ripping Dusshaasana’s heart out is more dramatic?
March 23, 2005 — 6:04 am
Lakshmi says:
No. Because the entire sequence takes too long to perform. And Duryodhana’s killing is no less dramatic…
March 23, 2005 — 8:15 am
Lakshmi says:
I have not seen a Theyyam ever, not even in Kerala. But I’ve heard that it’s more folk than classical. I did attend a Chakyar-koothu in B’bay once. That was fun even though I was part-petrified that he’d pick on me…:-)
March 23, 2005 — 5:04 am
sthira says:
I have been forever fascinated with Kathakali,the pure colours, the facial paints, the expressions, the movements, the music.
Hope I can see a live performance soon. That’s booked for my trip to Kerala, whenever that happens.
March 23, 2005 — 6:02 am
Lakshmi says:
Good luck!
March 23, 2005 — 8:15 am
gotjanx says:
Woah! *applauds* And I can’t even read and write.
*frown* I thought you were bbay-bred.
March 23, 2005 — 12:14 pm
Lakshmi says:
I thought you were bbay-bred.
Through and through…:-)
March 23, 2005 — 7:33 pm