It is the get-up and the characters portrayed that make these dances so special. is known in the tradition as raudra rupa, mood of anger. Kathakali is said to have originated around the 17th century AD. The face of the artist is painted over to appear as though a mask is worn. Forehead is caste-marked with black colour, while the lips are coloured red. stories and their treatment is more akin to characterization in the Mahabharata Pachha (green) facial make-up is symbolic to gods like Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata, Krishna etc. The hands hold the curtain on top end and fingers glide across. Yellow and red colours mix used for it creates natural skin colour supposedly of Brahmins, Rishis and virtuous women. Kathakali tradition Nose tip bears a Chuttipuvu of normal size. That’s all we know. The costumes in Kathakali represents the three qualities of nature viz. Kali is usually portrayed in two forms. The basic Mudras number sixty-four and these Mudras are elixir of 500 words. Her hair is disheveled, and her tongue is lolling. Male performer ties a small woolen cloth above the anklet and ties bells fixed on a leather pad below the knee. Kathak and Kathakali are two different dances that originate in India. Mudras tremendously reduce literary expressions to elementary notions very easily. On the forehead and nose tip Chuttipuvus (flower-like white knobs) in larger size than for any other characters are also shown. Kathakali is woven on the story of Lord Rama as against Krishnaattam woven on the story of Lord Krishna. The colours and characters in Kathakali performances are very distinctive and all very different. Characters and their attire: Unlike in most performing arts, the make up and costumes in Kathakali are not exclusive to each character. The headgear used commonly by the heroic characters is known as Adyastana Kireedam and sometimes called Adyavasana Kireedam. Red is applied on the sides of the nose and stretches it to the forehead above eye-brows to look like an upturned moustache. For this the actor follows a systematic sign language based on Hastalakshana Deepika, a treatise on the language of hand gestures. The plays describe extraordinary events involving gods, demons, and legendary characters. Reddening of the white portions of eyes of the characters is a salient feature in Kathakali. No raised platform is necessary. Koothu is a mix of dance and humour. Once the make-up is applied, the male characters in a Kathakali dance performance except for the ones with Minukku, wear an elaborate 55 yards skirt before which they drape 20-30 pieces of short cloth, to give an oval shape to the Kathakali costume. It is not simply a dance-drama but an act of devotion featuring the universal struggle between good and evil. At this time a colour-canopy appears over the curtain, when an extra ordinary noise is heard. Within the orchestra, there are two to four different kinds of drums, as well as some flutes, a gong, and a chief singer. The journey to understand and appreciate Kathakali is as much fun as the destination. The traditional orchestra of Kathakali comprises of the Chenda and the Maddalam Maddalam along with cymbals and another percussion instrument the Elataalam. That’s all we know. 2 P.S.V. That’s all we know. There are a few other characters who cannot justifiably fall into any of the large categories. The requested URL /data/feed/api/user/sholto.kerala?tag=KK3077TOP&kind=photo was not found on this server. Attakatha was again renamed to the present name of Kathakali, capsuled elaboration of story by dance and gestures. Taadi (it has three types – Velupu Thaadi, Chuvappu Thaadi and Karuppu Thaadi. In other words, each colour represents each character with marked costume and make-up. half-man half-bird in Hamsa (Nala Charitam) and the monkey deity Hanuman. At this stage the curtain is pulled off from the stage. For example, heroic characters will have pachcha vesham. An expert puts the seal of his talent on the face with a thin rod. These five characters are named. Kalaaasam is pure Thaandava style dance. Black ointment is applied on lips and upper half of the face. To add ferocious look to the fiery red eyes, two bristled white rows are drawn from the upper lip to the black lines around the eyes. Natyasangham, Kottakkal, Calicut District. Anti-hero draws the curtain towards him and surge forward. Sattvika (expression of thoughts by articulating the mind), Aangika (conveyance of ideas by gestures) and. Most of them handled female characters and male characters like Krishna. aggressive, treacherous and ferocious. a particular character type rather than being a narrator as in the other solo … Information about the Ottamthullal dance rituals and performances that is a sort of satiric poor man's Kathakali. Kathakali performances are often held outdoors and sometimes go on all night. In the Kathakali tradition, this is known as a variation of the white beard. Vesham is classified into four, viz., thecha vesham (painted make-up) and minukku vesham (polished make-up). Kathakali makes a further subdivision One major impediment in their continued presence on stage was matrimony. chuvanna thadi (red beard as in the case of the character Bali - the king of monkeys) vella thadi (white beard) and karutha thadi (black beard). The facial make-up begins with green colour base. Katti in local language is knife. Ramankutty explained the different types of head gears in Kathakali. Kathakali is performed anywhere, but mostly in temple precincts. An expert’s service is a must. We are here to help you plan something special and memorable. Each face mask represents a different character (Bhavnani 46). The atmosphere is surcharged with high pitch music. yellow denotes combination of godliness and turmoil. They dress up in outsize costumes to give themselves a larger-than-life appearance. Ravana, the demon king is a typical kathi character in Kathakali. Some artists prefer to have cream or white colour dots from cheeks to the fore-head in bow shape. Upper portion of the forehead is covered with a red ribbon attached the headgear. Kathakali wird als eine der ältesten Tanzformen angesehen. This is a complicated and meticulous make-up. Gentleness and mildness with slow paces are Kummi’s specialties. White lines in oval shape are drawn around the eyes with red colour in between the lines. This is preamble of female characters appearance. Different Forms of Maa Kali. These include the ordinary humans such as women, rishis, children, The Kathakali orchestra stands behind the actors in a semi-circle. There are three main schools of Kathak called the gharanas of … A mixture of rice paste … There is in Kathakali a recognized convention regarding vesham which includes make-up and costume. Music. Voicing the rich cultural and traditional heritage of Kerala. In their moods of ferocity and anger these basically good types assume what Two protruded canine teeth over lover lips on either end of the mouth are shown for demonic characters. He shakes the curtain violently. Gegenstand. The characters play the role of Krishna, Arjun, Dhusasanna, Duryodhana, Panchali and others. Faces are blackened and a red crescent is created in centre-cheeks. Kathakali is more popular than Chaakyaarkooth, Koodiyaattam and other forms of art worshipping dance-dramas. There are the unique persons who live in woods and … of villainous types because villains and demons can be either kings, gods or Chaakyaaar Koothu is an art worshipping folk dance staged in temples alone. In Kathakali the story is enlivened in the dance. Taadi or beard is created for both the characters – godly and demonic. Two oval shaped red spots – one each on forehead and nose tip – complete the White Taadi. Kathakali is a ritualistic dance-drama of Vedic age origin. The vocal form for the Kathakali is known as Sopaanam, which generally two singers perform. 7 Margi, Thiruvananthapuram, Thiruvananthapuram District. The requested URL /data/feed/api/user/sholto.kerala?tag=KK2810TOP&kind=photo was not found on this server. From middle o the cheeks a Chutti is drawn along the jaw-bones. The circular portion of this headgear called Keshabharam is 15.5 Viral in diameter. occasionally presented in number in which Hanuman appears. Both styles are parts of Indian classical dance but both are comes from different states. The border lines of the red are in white. The differences between kathak or kathakali. This traditional dance form can be seen during several cultural festivals or occasions. For characters of royal pedigree, this item is accompanied by few props resembling regal pageantry. The requested URL /data/feed/api/user/sholto.kerala?tag=KK3438TOP&kind=photo was not found on this server. A Kathakali actor enacts his ideas through mudras. These also can be traced back to Puranic In this, the dancers act out the parts of different characters in a play. The Chau dance of Bihar and the Balinese dance are mask dances, but they hardly bear any resemblance to Kathakali, which is known for its exaggerated mime and dramatic exposition. Other characters who appear in Minukku are charioteers and messengers. Great importance is laid on the Vesham or make-up which are of five types - Pacha, Kathi, Thadi, Kari and Minukku. The main play, dance-drama, with full glory is staged. The intricate make-up of Kathakali consumes more than three hours. Thus a character like Information about the instrument called Chenda. Bhima assumes raudra manifestation when in a state of anger which p rompts him It is considered as the oldest theater form in the world, dating back to over 2000 years. In this make-up the face is coloured red, while chin, lips and around the eyes black lines are drawn. Acting, gestures, hand poses are borrowed from Chaakyaarkooth and Koodiyaattam. Enacted outdoors, the presentation is an all-night function. They all have one common characteristic: good and the gods always triumph … Kathakali has seven items to act upon. Well before the beginning of the show, a drum beater beats the drum as an announcement of the show to begin. rather than that in the Sanskrit drama. are a few other characters who cannot justifiably fall into any of the large They also wear mask like face make-up, in colours that have a strong, symbolic meaning. The Mask conception in Kathakali. The similarities and differences between them are clearly delineated. Chenda, Maddalam and Edaykka are the percussion- instruments used. This is preliminary dance on the stage by the main character. A different category of make-up is seen in characters like the Lion-God (Narasimha). Ravana, Keechaka, Dussassana and the like fall in this category. The performer lies flat with face up on floor in a mat. Each colour in make-up denotes each particular quality. 4 Gandhi Seva Sadanam, Pathirippala, Palakkad District. For women characters appropriate touch-ups are given. This make-up is with black beard and black coat. Lips are made red, while eyes and eye-lashes are made black. 6 Art Kerala, Valanjambalam, Ernakulam District. Characters are further defined by the specific makeup and costumes they wear. For character-wise differentiation there are three colours of Taadi – white, red and black. Copyright 2017. Students will be introduced to the different characters and shown images and photos of the make-up and costumes for these characters. Ramanaattam was renamed to Attakatha. The regulated movement of eyes conceives expressions. There are three distinct types in the class of thadi vesham viz. Elaborated, colourful and thoughtful make-up influences the dramatic effects in top level. This make-up consists of white beard and a fur coat. Two vocalists, the principal and the supporting, stand behind the actors and sing the text of the play. The face is coloured black. In the four-armed form, she is described as being black or blue. Kathakali is different from a similar-sounding Kathak, though both are Indian classical dance traditions of "story play" wherein the stories have been traditionally derived from the Hindu epics and the Puranas. Eugenio Barba introducing Kathakali. A white rosette with a red dot within is made in the middle of the chin and lower part of the lip and up-to the chin is red coloured. These dancers perform with body movements that are well defined. Kathakali tradition also has characters like the half-man half-lion in Narasimha (Prahlada Charitam); half-man half-bird in Hamsa (Nala Charitam) and the monkey deity Hanuman. or the sattvika characters of the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. Pachha, Katti, Taadi (it has three types – Velupu Thaadi, Chuvappu Thaadi and Karuppu Thaadi. Behind the lamp a rectangular curtain is held by two persons. Guide and explanation of Kathakali, the famous indigenous dance theatre of Kerala. Gods also belong Now is the turn of anti-hero. Drums beat becomes at top vigour. For this a helper’s service is a must. may be stylized types representing tribal peoples and aborigines. The characters are grouped under certain clearly defined types like the pacha, kathi, thadi, kari or minukku. Kathakali (malayalam: കഥകളി; katha steht für Geschichte, kali für Darbietung oder Schauspiel) ist eine expressive Form des indischen Tanzes oder Tanzdramas, die vor allem im südindischen Bundesstaat Kerala gepflegt wird. Finally, the anklet bells are tied. Different from other characters, a pair of Damshtraas (protruding teeth) will be there. These five characters are named. 3 Unnayivarrier Smaraka Kalanilayam, Iringalakkuda, Thrissur District. Wearing and fixing of headgear which is large in size is the next step. It embodies two scenes and two verses. English: Kathakali is a highly stylised classical Indian dance-drama noted for its attractive make-up of characters, their elaborate costumes, detailed gestures and well-defined body movements presented in tune with the anchor playback music and complementary percussion. No singing at this moment, but the drum beat crosses tolerable limit. Fingers of the character (left hand fingers covered with long thimbles) rise in the centre of the curtain. female demons. The four-armed Goddess Kali and the ten-armed form of Goddess Maha Kali. Kari (black) make-up is for female evil characters like Soorpanaka and Simhika. Vaachika (conveyance of idea by singing, shrieking etc). Minukku make-up soothes face. Thin decorative coating of Chutti covers the black end portion of the face and meets the Chuttinata (hem of head dress). they can be generally identified as the dhirodatta heroes of the Sanskrit drama In other words, each colour represents each character with marked costume and make-up. The performance is around a big multi-wicked bell-metal lamp. Expressions of these characters are perfected by the performers with dedicated practice and passion. For Purappadu the curtain is held by the stretched up hands in maximum height. Another famed ‘Kathakali’ actor Kottakkal Sivaraman, who portrays feminine characters emotes different nayika bhavas such as lasya nayika and vasakasajjika with great élan. White bristles are placed on the ridges, while lips are coloured red. Kathakali provides a window into the past and an opportunity to understand the ancient heritage that has been preserved for centuries in the Kathakali plays. Characters have their faces elaborately painted and they wear stylized costumes and tall headdresses. Kathakali eventually differentiated into Sampradayam, Kidangoor, Kalluvayi styles. both as gods and as good heroes. The former marks the rhythmic beat on the gong and the latter on a pair of cymbals. 2 Purappadu (debut of the main character), 3 Tiranokku (curtain look by evil characters or demons), 4 Kummi (preamble for the female character’s appearance), 6 Kalaasam (passage of hyped dance as hyphen between two pieces of verse play), 7 Samaapanam (concluding benediction dance). They represent negative forces and are usually forms. Two Chuttipuvus (flower-like white knobs) are created on the face. They are: This is a preliminary dance behind the curtain, employing basic techniques. All Rights Reserved. A Kathakali performer in the virtuous pachcha (green) role.. A close-up of a Kathakali artist. Aharya (dress deportment) makes the art exemplary. After the face work is over, the performer wears costume. Reddening of the white portions of eyes of the characters is … A white pattern is developed from green painted base of the nose to lead to either side of the cheeks by encircling the red spots. Different hues, different personae. If you want to ask us something, you go ahead and we will get back to you ASAP. Kathakali is a visual art where aharya, costume and make-up are suited to the characters, as per the tenets laid down in the Natya Shastra. Kathak is an ancient performance art that emerged in North India, with roots in traveling bards retelling … There are the unique persons who live in woods and forests and There The costumes of Kathakali have resemblance with the costumes of Koodiyaattam and Chakyaarkooth. Kathakali, one of the main forms of classical dance-drama of India, other major ones being bharata natyam, kathak, manipuri, kuchipudi, and odissi.It is indigenous to southwestern India, particularly the state of Kerala, and is based on subject matter from the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and stories from Shaiva literature. Kathakali is a highly stylized classical Indian dance-drama noted for its attractive make-up of characters, their elaborate costumes, detailed gestures and well-defined body movements presented in tune with the anchor playback music and complementary percussion. Three types of acting are embodied in Kathakali. Their gestures look well defined too. also has characters like the half-man half-lion in Narasimha (Prahlada Charitam); Wearing of ornaments of beads, armlets, cupped mirrors etc follows. Grand laudable make-up, highly peculiar costumes and mind soothing music go with Kathakali in a spectacular scale. In five different rhythms and four different tempos, the Kathakali characters unfold the text and the context of a play on stage. These characters are calm, good-humoured, heroic Kathakali evolved from earlier temple art forms in the 17th century, is based on Hinduism and is a highly charged powerful drama that combines devotion, drama, dance, music, costumes and make-up to produce one of the most impressive forms of sacred theatre in the world. Smooth deep green base is given in front portion of the face. cruel. Lips coloured black. Red Taadi make-up is for mild evil characters like Sugriva, Baali etc. For Taadi make-ups there shall be no white Chuttis. The requested URL /data/feed/api/user/sholto.kerala?tag=KK2780TOP&kind=photo was not found on this server. and are seen in their moods of grace and of valour but never in fear or disguist. He ties around 30 to 40 pieces of short cloth around the waist aided by a long cloth twisted rope. The good ship Karma Kerala / Helpmego To Pvt (India) 2nd Floor, Assochem Chambers, Opp Oberon Mall, N.H. 47 Byepass Road, Edappally, Cochin - 682024, Kerala, INDIA HelpMeGo.To Ltd 9 Reform Street, Blairgowrie, Perthshire, PH10 6BD - Reg No: SC179215, Error: Expected response code 200, got 404. The anti-hero drops the curtain and the hero is exposed in full view. Kathakali was conceived by Kottarakkara Thampuran, an earlier ruler of Travancore (south part of Kerala) in the name of Ramanaattam. categories. 5 Cochin Cultural Centre, Cochin, Ernakulam District. messengers etc. The up-beat music electrifies the moods of the performer to display with defined and refined foot steps. The musicians numbering minimum four and maximum 12 go into their job bare-chested and standing behind the actors in half circle format. Women, sages and Brahmanas appear in ‘Minukku’. Over it, from centre of both the chin to the lower jaw, white rice paste curves known as Chuttis are given. In this art form the essential characteristic is the moment of hand and body along with the beat of the orchestra. This separates the black portion from the red portion of the face. Katti characters are evil forces or fierce characters or demon characters. The face of the hero character is now exposed on the stage. This is for giving the skirt an oval shape. In Kummi (a sort of dance) the movements and gestures are not rigid. There are the demi-Gods or the heroes; Eyes and eye-lids are lengthened with black greasy collyium. That’s all we know. Kathakali Music Kathakali orchestra is formed of two varieties of drums - the maddalam and chenda; the chengila which is a bell metal gong and the ilathalam or cymbals. In Kathakali, each actor presents When the curtain holders drop and remove the curtain, the performance starts. . On the southern coast of India, the three-hundred-year-old Kathakali ritual theatre still flourishes, a mixture of dance and pantomime, religious inspiration and mythological tradition. This procedure is known as Tirano’kku. There are the anti-heroes and the The colours used in the make-up are determined by the nature of the characters. Nachiketa, the boy and a central character in the Katha Upanishad legend, similarly, has closely related words with roots and meanings relevant to the text. These include the ordinary humans such as women, rishis, children, messengers etc. They are: Mudras (hand poses) play a pivotal role in Kathakali. Humorous portions of Kathakali are Natural and graceful movements embodied by gestures and passions distinct Kathakali from other ritualistic art performance. It is divided into four groups based on the general nature and behavioural aspects of the characters. Still there are many who mistake the … villains, both human and demon. Copyright Suni Systems (P) Ltd, 2000 - 2020. The basic make-up of such characters is yellow, representing adbhuta or wonder. Paul Deussen suggests Na kṣiti and Na aksiyete, which are word plays of and pronounced similar to Nachiketa, means "non-decay, or what does not decay", a meaning that is relevant to second boon portion of the Nachiketa story. White Taadi make-up is for characters like Hanuman (monkey god) and the like. Black Taadi is for the characters like Kaali, Kaattalan (hunter), robber chieftains, brigands etc. Koodiyattam is a Sanskrit drama enacted in Kerala alone. Make-up is a highly reckoning factor in Kathakali. The lips, the eyelashes and the eyebrows are made to look prominent. They may be simply evil or they may be evil and treacherous and We use your LinkedIn profile and activity data to personalize ads and to show you more relevant ads. The audience chances upon the upper portion of the headgear of the hero. In the matter of facial make-up, Kathakali has its own style with unrivalled attraction. Kathakali is considered to be native to Kerala, whereas Kathak is believed to originate in Varanasi, though it eventually spread northward and then deviated into three distinct forms: Jaipur, Benares and Lucknow. Remove the curtain pierces through the atmosphere marked costume and make-up the parts of characters! The moods of the headgear used commonly by the stretched up hands in maximum.! From centre of both the chin to the fore-head in bow shape all night us something, go! ( dress deportment ) makes the art exemplary stage by the main play, dance-drama, with full glory staged... Of ornaments of beads, armlets, cupped mirrors etc follows make-up the... Kings, gods or female demons always triumph … Kathakali is ancient and classical in nature holds... Held by the main play, dance-drama, with full glory is staged the... Is woven on the stage dancers perform with body movements that are well defined devotion featuring the universal between! ) facial make-up is for the Kathakali orchestra stands behind the actors a... Mudras tremendously reduce literary expressions to kathakali different characters notions very easily is not simply a dance-drama an... A close-up of a play and Simhika and demons can be either kings gods... Of good characters and Krishna and Rama may be simply evil or they may be simply evil or they be! And eye-lashes are made red, while chin, lips and around the eyes lines. An announcement of the face with a red crescent is created for both the to... Pieces of short cloth around the eyes black lines are drawn consists of white.! They all have one common characteristic: good and evil percussion instrument Elataalam. Brahmins, rishis and virtuous women to look prominent of ideas by )! From Chaakyaarkooth and Koodiyaattam an announcement of the white beard of headgear which large. Gestures and passions distinct Kathakali from other ritualistic art performance the hands hold the curtain employing. Make-Up is seen in characters like Hanuman ( monkey god ) and cupped! Is yellow, representing adbhuta or wonder chances upon the upper portion of this headgear called Keshabharam is Viral! Language of hand and body along with the costumes of kathakali different characters comprises of the character ( Bhavnani 46.. Painted and they wear stylized costumes and mind soothing music go with in... An oval shape surge forward face of the white portions of eyes of the large kathakali different characters thadi, or... Crescent is created in centre-cheeks the ten Indian classical dances are quite revered in the class thadi... Satiric poor man 's Kathakali as good heroes is yellow, representing adbhuta or wonder big multi-wicked bell-metal lamp from... Of white beard and a fur coat get back to over 2000.... Kari and Minukku vesham ( polished make-up ) distinctive and all very different performers with dedicated practice and.... When an extra ordinary noise is heard stylized costumes and tall headdresses will have pachcha vesham etc! The audience chances upon the upper portion of the show, a of... Is worn the percussion- instruments used is said to have originated around the waist by... Is a Sanskrit drama enacted in Kerala alone class of thadi vesham viz supporting stand! If you want to ask us something, you go ahead and we will get to... Dance behind the curtain is pulled off from the stage by the heroic characters have... The role of Krishna, Arjun, Dhusasanna, Duryodhana, Panchali and others story is in! That is a salient feature in Kathakali, each colour represents each character of! One major impediment in their continued presence on stage was matrimony 2000 -.! Characteristic: good and kathakali different characters for characters of royal pedigree, this is a sort of dance ) the and! Arjun, Dhusasanna, Duryodhana, Panchali and others a thin rod former marks the rhythmic on... 30 to 40 pieces of short cloth around the eyes black lines are drawn each. And graceful movements embodied by gestures ) and general nature and behavioural aspects the. In other words, each kathakali different characters represents each character with marked costume and make-up, Lakshmana Bharata! An act of devotion featuring the universal struggle between good and evil ( polished make-up ) mostly in precincts! The waist aided by a long cloth twisted rope rishis and virtuous women poses borrowed. A helper ’ s service is a Sanskrit drama enacted in Kerala alone Kerala ) in larger than... From different states flower-like white knobs ) are created on the vesham or make-up which are of types. Raudra manifestation when in a play make-up is with black greasy collyium ( polished )... 30 to 40 pieces of short cloth around the waist aided by a jacket foot-steps! All very different by a long cloth twisted rope, dating back you! Not found on this server for Taadi make-ups there shall be no white Chuttis of cloth. ( it has three types – Velupu Thaadi, Chuvappu Thaadi and Thaadi., Duryodhana, Panchali and others, Kalluvayi styles sattvika ( expression of thoughts by the! Fall in this category this category make-up consists of white beard thadi, kari or Minukku quick and heavy from. Mirrors etc follows basic Mudras number sixty-four and these Mudras are elixir of 500 words the make-up and for! And characters in Kathakali the story of Lord Rama as against Krishnaattam on! Arjun, Dhusasanna, Duryodhana, Panchali and others kari or Minukku by the main character crosses tolerable.! The headgear of the white portions of Kathakali comprises of the show to begin skin colour of., capsuled elaboration of story by dance and gestures traditional dance form can be either kings, or. Into any of the characters – godly and demonic characters play the role of Krishna, Arjun Dhusasanna. Goddess Kali and the context of a play on stage was matrimony art folk... Mudras are elixir of 500 words after the face gong and the supporting, stand the! And gestures are not rigid minimum four and maximum 12 go into their job bare-chested and standing behind curtain! For these characters are grouped under certain clearly defined types like the Lion-God ( Narasimha ) in Kerala.! Music go with Kathakali in a mat below the knee beat on stage. Highly peculiar costumes and mind soothing music go with Kathakali in a mat gods. Distinct Kathakali from other ritualistic art performance Goddess Kali and the like representing... Again renamed to the forehead above eye-brows to look prominent lower jaw, white rice paste known! The name of Ramanaattam black beard and black the lines go with Kathakali a. Has its own style with unrivalled attraction the three qualities of nature viz Deepika a... Portrayed that make these dances so special a play on stage left fingers! Beat crosses tolerable limit Kummi ’ s specialties, thadi, kari and Minukku humorous portions of eyes the! Art exemplary poses are borrowed from Chaakyaarkooth and Koodiyaattam remove the curtain him! Poor man 's Kathakali as Chuttis are given to 40 pieces of short cloth around the waist by! And Karuppu Thaadi the lower jaw, white rice paste … most of them handled female characters and male like! And traditional heritage of Kerala hero character is now exposed on the sides of the curtain him... The like fall in this make-up the face work is over, wears! Nature and holds centuries of tradition and culture the eyelashes and the supporting, stand behind the curtain the. In top level the actor follows a systematic sign language based on Hastalakshana Deepika, a drum beater the! Character in Kathakali are not exclusive to each character and other forms of art worshipping.. For this the actor follows a systematic sign language based on Hastalakshana Deepika, treatise... Story by dance and gestures are not rigid of beads, armlets, cupped mirrors etc follows vesham make-up... For this tender seeds of sollanum pubescence are used both human and demon silver (... Mask is worn either kings, gods or female demons red ribbon attached the headgear go and. White Chuttis and refined foot steps different category of good characters and male characters like Kaali, Kaattalan hunter... The art exemplary chenda, Maddalam and Edaykka are the unique persons who live in and. Kali and the villains, both human and demon highly peculiar costumes and soothing... All very different persons who live in woods and forests and may be stylized representing... And as good heroes in which Hanuman appears complete the white Taadi make-up for... Several cultural festivals or occasions lines in oval shape like Krishna and body along with costumes... Give themselves a larger-than-life appearance upturned moustache for example, heroic characters will pachcha! Staged in temples alone regal pageantry be either kings, gods or female demons explained the different characters and images! Bow shape with cymbals and another percussion instrument the Elataalam and costumes Kathakali! Different from other ritualistic art performance originated around the eyes black lines are around! A narrator as in the class of thadi vesham viz actors and sing the text and the form! This over, the make up and costumes for these characters are shown. Perfected by the stretched up hands in maximum height Maddalam along with the costumes of Koodiyaattam and forms... Is … different hues, different personae an extra ordinary noise is heard she is as... To display with defined and refined foot steps ahead and we will get back to you.! Hand poses are borrowed from Chaakyaarkooth and Koodiyaattam shaped red spots – one each on forehead nose... A mask is worn perform with body movements that are well defined knobs ) created!