Kathakali performance originated in Kerala in 17th century. These performances are very difficult, because actors don’t speak, but they express their mood with gestures - moving their face, and even special signs with hands. Their costumes are richly decorated and their make-up express their character – for example red/green means character with 2 faces (red for devil, green for hero). This performance took place in Kathakali Center, Fort Cochin, Kochi, Kerala, India. The actors spent one hour doing their make-up, another hour was spent with explanation of different face movements and signs and then the actual performance followed – the main character – evil army general is killed by princ in revenge. The whole show is with live music!
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Make up preparation took them one hour! I'm much faster with my make-up, but then again - I don't have to mix natural colors with coconut oil to make special shade of red :-)
Unfortunately, flash was prohibited, so pictures are lower quality. I sat down in first row (because I bought the ticket one day in advance, ha!) in completely full theatre next to my hotel. The show began and I was hypnotized. The actor was amazing - moving his face so fast I could barely breathe. I think they all did a great jog. Actors have to remember all the gestures, dance and sing all at the same time with heavy costumes on. I was a bit sad when a German couple almost fell asleep next to me. I guess they were not very into art. However, I stayed for a while after the show to talk to one of the performancers. He could speak Slovak! Ok, I'm exaggerating a bit, but he basically said "How are you" in my native language, which was a nice change after 2 weeks of explaining to Indians where my country is. He complained about lack of money from the government and lack of attention from Indians as well. I was invited to another performance the following day - traditional martial art of Kerala called Kalaripayttu, which was then cancelled - I guess there were not enough visitors.
If you visit Kerala, make sure you go see Kathakali show and Kalaripayttu. Performances are every evening and it's a really a must-see. It's nice to sit down and be entertained after all day tours, right?
Unfortunately, flash was prohibited, so pictures are lower quality. I sat down in first row (because I bought the ticket one day in advance, ha!) in completely full theatre next to my hotel. The show began and I was hypnotized. The actor was amazing - moving his face so fast I could barely breathe. I think they all did a great jog. Actors have to remember all the gestures, dance and sing all at the same time with heavy costumes on. I was a bit sad when a German couple almost fell asleep next to me. I guess they were not very into art. However, I stayed for a while after the show to talk to one of the performancers. He could speak Slovak! Ok, I'm exaggerating a bit, but he basically said "How are you" in my native language, which was a nice change after 2 weeks of explaining to Indians where my country is. He complained about lack of money from the government and lack of attention from Indians as well. I was invited to another performance the following day - traditional martial art of Kerala called Kalaripayttu, which was then cancelled - I guess there were not enough visitors.
If you visit Kerala, make sure you go see Kathakali show and Kalaripayttu. Performances are every evening and it's a really a must-see. It's nice to sit down and be entertained after all day tours, right?
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