What is special about Kathakali dance?

What is special about Kathakali dance?

Kathakali (Malayalam: കഥകളി) is a major form of classical Indian dance. It is a “story play” genre of art, but one distinguished by the elaborately colourful make-up, costumes and face masks that the traditionally male actor-dancers wear.

What is Kathakali dance based on?

Kathakali Dance Stories Originally, Kathakali dances took all night to perform. However, today they have been shortened to a few hours. Many of the dances are based on Mahabharata, one of two Sanskrit epic poems from ancient India.

What is Kathakali Sangeetham?

Kathakali Sangeetham belongs to Sopana music category which is slow , strictly adhering to tala or rythm giving full vision of Abhinaya means acting. The singer or bhagavatar plays a key role in staging of the art form. The bhagavtar plays a key role in Kathakali performance.

How did Kathakali originated?

Part-dance and part-mime, Kathakali originated in the state of Kerala between the 16th and 17th centuries, around the same time as Shakespeare. The Kalluvazhi Chitta style being performed by these dancers was born on the stage at the now-closed Kathakali school at Olappamanna Mana in Vellinezhi, almost 200 years ago.

What are the five main roles of Kathakali?

The five major Veshams in Kathakali are Kathi (Knife), Pacha (Green), Thaadi (Beard), Minukku (radiant) and Kari (Black). The noble and the divine, appear in Green. Kathi represents the arrogant and evil, however, with a vein of gallantry.

Why is Kathakali so important?

Importance of Kathakali Kathakali is a beautiful dance form which represents the art and culture of Kerala. This dance form uses exquisite expressions, hand and feet movements and also consists of a unique costume which is much different from other Indian Classical dance forms.

Is Kathakali a classical dance?

kathakali, one of the main forms of classical dance-drama of India, other major ones being bharata natyam, kathak, manipuri, kuchipudi, and odissi.

Who performs Kathakali dance?

Traditionally, kathakali is performed exclusively by men and young boys who play the parts of both males and females. The dancers are dedicated to its practice throughout their lives. The movement is vigorous and florid. Stylized gestures and facial expressions follow the rules of bharata natyam.

Which type of dance is Kathakali?

classical dance-drama
kathakali, one of the main forms of classical dance-drama of India, other major ones being bharata natyam, kathak, manipuri, kuchipudi, and odissi.

Which dance is famous in Orissa?

Dalkhai: Mainly dalkhai is named after a goddess “dalkhai Devi”. Though Dusserah is the occasion of Sambalpuri folk dance Dalkhai, it’s the most popular folk-dance of Odisha, its performance is very common on all other festivals such as Bhaijiuntia, Phagun Puni, Nuakhai, etc.

What is Kathakali dance?

Kathakali is the most well known dance drama from the south In­dian state of Kerala. The word Kathakali literally means “Story-Play”. It is known for its large, elaborate makeup and costumes. The elaborate costumes of Kathakali have become the most re­cog­nised icon for Kerala. The themes of the Kathakali are religious in nature.

What is the role of Kathakali dance in IAS exam?

Kathakali is the most popular dance form of Kerala. The word translates as Story-Play. It is popular for its make-up and costumes. They usually depict the ancient stories of Mahabharat, Ramayana and other Puranas. This article throws light on 5 major roles or Veshams of Kathakali. Aspirants would find this topic very helpful in the IAS Exam.

What is Kathakali repertoire?

A Kathakalī repertoire is an operatic performance where an ancient story is playfully dramatized. Traditionally, a Kathakali performance is long, starting at dusk and continuing through dawn, with interludes and breaks for the performers and audience. Some plays continued over several nights, starting at dusk everyday.

What is the origin of Kathakali?

Traditionally the name of this dance form was deduced by joining two words, ‘Katha’ and ‘Kali’ where ‘Katha’ in Sanskrit means a traditional tale or story and ‘Kali’ derived from ‘Kala’ refers to art and performance. Views and opinions regarding the roots of ‘Kathakali’ vary due to its somewhat ambiguous background.