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Kathakali originated in Kerala, Southern India, and is a spectacular combination of drama, dance, music and ritual. Performed by highly trained male actors, with vividly painted faces and elaborate costumes who re-enact stories from the Hindu epics.
Location
Traditionally, a Kathakali performance is usually conducted at night and ends in the early morning. Nowadays performances are often condensed and it is not difficult to find performances as short as 3 hours.
Age
Not an activity that children are able to perform, although there are workshops and shortened performances specifically designed for them.
Ability
A Kathakali actor uses immense concentration, skill and physical stamina, gained from training based on Kalaripayattu, the ancient martial art of Kerala, to prepare for his demanding role. Training can often last for 8-10 years.
Description
In Kathakali, the story is enacted purely by the movements of the hands (called mudras or hand gestures) and by facial expressions (rasas) and bodily movements. The expressions are derived from Natyasatra (the science of expressions).
Dedication
One of the most interesting aspects of Kathakali is its elaborate make-up code. Most often, the make-up can be classified into five basic sets; Green is used to portray a noble male character, characters having an evil streak, such as the demon king, are portrayed with red in a green background. Excessively evil characters such as demons have red make-up and a red beard. characters such as uncivilized hunters are represented with black make-up, Women and ascetics have lustrous, yellowish faces.
Potential
Kathakali is an ancient religious Indian performing art, unique in style and presentation, and quite unmistakable with any other form of theatre.
Closely
Related Activities
To complement the actors, drummers, singers, make up artists and costumers are necessary to complete the ensemble of highly trained specialists, needed to present a Kathakali performance.
Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.
Energy |
Arms
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Legs
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Sight
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Hearing
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Speech |
Learning |
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