Kathakali - Repertoire

A Kathakali dance recital begins with the sounding of the drums ( melappadam ) which is done to create the proper atmosphere amongst the audience. Kathakali is usually performed outdoors and the light of a single oil lamp and the playing of the drums immediately grasps the audience's attention. A devotional invocation is performed known as the todayam in which one or two characters invoke the blessing of the Gods. This sequence is usually performed behind a curtain. After the todayam is completed a sequence of pure dance follows in which a few of the characters participate. This is known as the puruppadu and is essentially an introductory dance with no acting. The actors perform a number of pure dance sequences known as kalasams which demonstrate the capabilities of the performers. Once the purappadu is over the drama part begins.

Kathakali indulges in a lot of suspense. A major character will never enter the stage directly, but will instead perform behind the curtain. To the accompaniment of music the actor executes many dance movements and is able to keep the audience intrigued and enthralled at the same time. It appears as if he is battling the

curtain and then suddenly he will emerge successful and appear in front of the audience. This technique is known as the tiranokku . The story then unfolds using dance and drama to powerfully convey the story line. As mentioned earlier there are many ways an actor follows the story, ranging from word to word synchronization to the exciting and innovative interpretation of the starting word techniques. The interpretation section can be very thrilling, for the singer ceases to sing and it is then up to the dancers's creative ability to use the accompanying music and their own ability to keep the audience entertained. Usually a traditional performance would begin at nightfall when the introductory sequences would start unfolding, the tempo of the performance would be picked up by midnight, and the climax of the story would be reached exactly at day-break symbolizing the victory of good over evil.

Kathakali concludes with a number of pure dance sequences. It is a fascinating dance to watch, for its emphasis on drama and elaborate make-up of the dancers leave the audience mesmerized.

A Kathakali dance recital begins with the sounding of the drums ( melappadam ) which is done to create the proper atmosphere amongst the audience. Kathakali is usually performed outdoors and the light of a single oil lamp and the playing of the drums immediately grasps the audience's attention. A devotional invocation is performed known as the todayam in which one or two characters invoke the blessing of the Gods. This sequence is usually performed behind a curtain. After the todayam is completed a sequence of pure dance follows in which a few of the characters participate. This is known as the puruppadu and is essentially an introductory dance with no acting. The actors perform a number of pure dance sequences known as kalasams which demonstrate the capabilities of the performers. Once the purappadu is over the drama part begins.

Kathakali indulges in a lot of suspense. A major character will never enter the stage directly, but will instead perform behind the curtain. To the accompaniment of music the actor executes many dance movements and is able to keep the audience intrigued and enthralled at the same time. It appears as if he is battling the curtain and then suddenly he will emerge successful and appear in front of the audience. This technique is known as the tiranokku . The story then unfolds using dance and drama to powerfully convey the story line. As mentioned earlier there are many ways an actor follows the story, ranging from word to word synchronization to the exciting and innovative interpretation of the starting word techniques. The interpretation section can be very thrilling, for the singer ceases to sing and it is then up to the dancers's creative ability to use the accompanying music and their own ability to keep the audience entertained. Usually a traditional performance would begin at nightfall when the introductory sequences would start unfolding, the tempo of the performance would be picked up by midnight, and the climax of the story would be reached exactly at day-break symbolizing the victory of good over evil.

Kathakali concludes with a number of pure dance sequences. It is a fascinating dance to watch, for its emphasis on drama and elaborate make-up of the dancers leave the audience mesmerized.