KATHAKALI

https://vbbhagyaraj.blogspot.com The genesis of the word Kathakali is generally traced to a combination of Katha and Keli , the literal meaning of which is generally is dance-drama.This dance form, curiously ,is an exclusive domain of the male dancers.Even female roles in the story line are performed to perfection by male artists.The artists who perform Kathakali do not sing the lines themselves.The dance is performed all through the night on the stage which is simply yet specially designed for Kathakali.A large brass lantern is invariably hung on the stage.The beginning of the performance is preceded by Chaidakaran, a ritual playing of drums.

The face is mostly painted with red and yellow and the eyes and eye-lashes are adorned with lines in white all around.These white lines are known as cuttee.The head-dress in Kathakali is of special significance as it also defines the hierarchical status of different artists participating in the performance.