{"id":285,"date":"2017-10-02T17:53:30","date_gmt":"2017-10-02T14:53:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/?p=285"},"modified":"2021-10-19T14:24:39","modified_gmt":"2021-10-19T11:24:39","slug":"kathakali-keralas-grandiose-dance-drama","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/kathakali-keralas-grandiose-dance-drama\/","title":{"rendered":"<em>Kathakali<\/em>, Kerala\u2019s Grandiose Dance-Drama"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 100%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-1' class='gallery galleryid-285 gallery-columns-1 gallery-size-full'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/in057.jpg'><img width=\"600\" height=\"398\" src=\"https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/in057.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-995\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-995'>\n\t\t\t\tA <em>Kathakali<\/em> performance <span>Sakari Viika<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p><i>Kathakali<\/i> (Story Play) is probably the best-known form of Indian dance-drama all over the world. It evolved in the 16<sup>th<\/sup> century out of the <i>kutiyattam<\/i> tradition, and <i>krishnanattam<\/i> took its energetic footwork from the <i>kalaripayattu<\/i> martial arts tradition, which has been discussed above. Gradually <i>kathakali\u2019s<\/i> system of make-up and its costuming reached their present spectacular forms.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-2 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-2 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 20%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-2 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-2 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-2' class='gallery galleryid-285 gallery-columns-5 gallery-size-full'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/in058.jpg'><img width=\"414\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/in058.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-2-996\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-2-996'>\n\t\t\t\tA hero and a heroine <span>Sakari Viika<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl>\n\t\t\t<br style='clear: both' \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p><i>Kathakali<\/i> was originally an art form practised by the Nair warrior caste. It is still generally performed by an all-male cast (although one female troupe also exists). Following the path opened up by <i>kutiyattam<\/i>, the actors do not speak or sing but concentrate on dance sequences and particularly on the intricate <a href=\"http:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/bharata-and-his-natyashastra\/#abhinaya\"><i>abhinaya<\/i> acting<\/a><b><\/b>.<\/p>\n<h2>History<\/h2>\n<p><i>Kathakali<\/i> evolved in the late 16<sup>th<\/sup> century from older forms, such as <i>kutiyattam<\/i>, <i>krishnattam<\/i>, and <i>kalaripayattu<\/i> martial arts. Its direct forerunner was the form called <i>ramanattam<\/i>, which concentrated on the life of Prince Rama of the <i>Ramayana<\/i> epic. <i>Ramanattam<\/i> is now extinct but its heritage is carried on by <i>kathakali<\/i>.<\/p>\n<p><i>Kathakali<\/i> was gradually developed by master actors as well as art connoisseurs, including rulers and learned <i>Brahmans<\/i>. Its golden age was the latter half of the 18<sup>th<\/sup> century, when Maharaja Kartika Tirunal (1758\u20131798) wrote several plays for <i>kathakali<\/i> and a permanent palace troupe was formed.<\/p>\n<h2>The Plays<\/h2>\n<p>Some five hundred <i>kathakali<\/i> plays exist, of which some fifty have recently been actively performed. The playwrights came from the uppermost levels of society, and among them were several rulers and learned <i>Brahmans<\/i>. Originally, scenes from the <i>Mahabharata<\/i> epic were dramatised as <i>kathakali<\/i> plays. Later, the <i>Ramayana<\/i> and the <i>Puranas<\/i> also provided material for the plots. The language used in <i>kathakali<\/i> is \u201chigh\u201d Malayalam, which combines Sanskrit with vernacular Malayalam.<\/p>\n<h2>The Space for the Performance<\/h2>\n<p><i>Kathakali<\/i> was not limited to performances only in the <i>kootampalam<\/i> temple theatre houses, as were <i>kutiyattam<\/i> and <i>krishnanattam<\/i>. At the moment <i>kathakali<\/i> is performed in several kinds of spaces. The most common are open spaces in a village or a town, often in front of a temple. Just as in <i>kutiyattam<\/i>, the acting focuses on a large oil lamp, which is placed in the foreground of the stage.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-3 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-3 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 100%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-3 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-3 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-3' class='gallery galleryid-285 gallery-columns-1 gallery-size-full'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/in059.jpg'><img width=\"600\" height=\"407\" src=\"https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/in059.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-3-997\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-3-997'>\n\t\t\t\tA modern, raised <em>kathakali<\/em> stage with electric lighting <span>Sakari Viika<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/in059b.jpg'><img width=\"600\" height=\"398\" src=\"https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/in059b.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-3-998\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-3-998'>\n\t\t\t\tImportant characters introduced from behind a hand-held curtain <span>Sakari Viika<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>The stage can be just earthen ground, but is now more often an elevated temporary structure. The oil lamp still serves as the focal point of the performance although electric lights are now commonly used.<\/p>\n<p>No sets and very few stage props are used. A wooden stool can serve as a seat, a throne, a mountain etc. Just like <i>kutiyattam<\/i>, important characters are introduced from behind a hand-held curtain. These highly dramatic introductions are carried out according to the type of the character. A lyric character may simply be slowly revealed while an aggressive character may violently pull the curtain down himself.<\/p>\n<h2>The Music<\/h2>\n<p>The orchestra accompanying <i>kathakali<\/i> includes four musicians. The main instruments are two different types of drums and a gong, played by the leading singer. His assistant plays the cymbals. For special effects a third kind of drum and a conch shell are used. The musicians stand on the left side of the stage. An inseparable element of the auditory whole is the dynamic rattle of the small bells attached to the pads tied around the actors\u2019 calves.<\/p>\n<p>Long before the actual play starts the evening\u2019s performance is announced with a powerful drumming, after which two dancers perform the blessings behind a raised curtain. Then follows a pure <i>nrtta<\/i> dance, after which lines of the <i>Gita Govinda<\/i> are sung. Then finally the actual play starts with the introduction of the leading characters.<\/p>\n<h2>Training and Technique<\/h2>\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-4 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-4 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 20%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-4 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-4 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-4' class='gallery galleryid-285 gallery-columns-5 gallery-size-full'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/in060.jpg'><img width=\"399\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/in060.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-4-999\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-4-999'>\n\t\t\t\tThe basic position body position of <em>kathakali<\/em> with a bent back and with the body weight on the outer edges of the soles <span>Sakari Viika<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl>\n\t\t\t<br style='clear: both' \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>The <i>kathakali<\/i> actors come mainly from the ancient <i>Nair<\/i> warrior caste. The study and training to become a professional actor takes from 8 to 10 years. The training starts with vigorous physical exercises. During the years the body is made elastic by massage with medicated oils in order that the student will attain the right elastic basic stance, which includes a strongly bent back and a wide-open leg position, both derived from the <i>kalaripayattu<\/i> martial arts technique.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-5 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-5 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 20%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-5 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-5 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-5' class='gallery galleryid-285 gallery-columns-5 gallery-size-full'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/in061.jpg'><img width=\"410\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/in061.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-5-1000\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-5-1000'>\n\t\t\t\tOf utmost importance is the coordination of the <em>mudras<\/em>, the body movements and the eye technique <span>Sakari Viika<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl>\n\t\t\t<br style='clear: both' \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>The basic training includes rehearsing of the eye movement in the early hours of the morning. The training of the facial expression also includes separate exercises for brows, lips, mouth, neck, and cheeks. In the daytime the students exercise body movements, gesture language and various combinations of steps and their co-ordination with the music.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-6 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-6 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 20%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-6 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-6 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-6' class='gallery galleryid-285 gallery-columns-5 gallery-size-full'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/in062.jpg'><img width=\"413\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/in062.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-6-1001\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-6-1001'>\n\t\t\t\tThe acting culminates in the eye movements <span>Sakari Viika<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl>\n\t\t\t<br style='clear: both' \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>The actual focus of the whole acting is on the execution of the <i>mudras<\/i>, the symbolic hand gestures, in perfect co-ordination with the facial expression, especially with the exaggerated eye movements.<\/p>\n<p>The more physical aspects of the body language, such as vigorous stamping on the outer side of the sole, adapted from <i>kalaripayattu<\/i>, and the high jumps that this special foot technique enables the actors to perform, are partly hidden by the heavy skirt-like lower garments of the actors. They are rather sparsely used during an entire play, yet their dynamism always amazes the spectator.<\/p>\n<h2>Character Types and their Make-up and Costume<\/h2>\n<p>Unlike the situation in <i>kutiyattam,<\/i> where all characters tend to have their own individual make-up, in <i>kathakali<\/i> the characters are divided into clear role categories. They are basically four in number. All of them have their own basic make-up styles developed over the centuries from the make-up systems of <i>kutiyattam<\/i>, <i>krishnanattam<\/i>, and <i>ramanattam<\/i>.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-7 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-7 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 50%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-7 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-7 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-7' class='gallery galleryid-285 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-full'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/in063.jpg'><img width=\"400\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/in063.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-7-1002\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-7-1002'>\n\t\t\t\tMake-up of a benevolent <em>paccha<\/em> role type <span>Sakari Viika<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/in064.jpg'><img width=\"391\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/in064.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-7-1003\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-7-1003'>\n\t\t\t\tPreparing the make-up of an aggressive <em>katti<\/em> role type <span>Sakari Viika<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/in065.jpg'><img width=\"392\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/in065.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-7-1004\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-7-1004'>\n\t\t\t\t<em>Katti<\/em>-type make-up with large white <em>chutti<\/em> boards. Earlier, the boards were made solely of rice paste, but nowadays ready-cut paper <em>chuttis<\/em> are often fastened to the rice paste base <span>Sakari Viika<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/in066.jpg'><img width=\"600\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/in066.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-7-1005\" srcset=\"https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/in066.jpg 600w, https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/in066-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/in066-500x500.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-7-1005'>\n\t\t\t\tThe monkey god Hanuman is one of the positive, white-bearded <em>tadi<\/em> characters <span>Sakari Viika<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/in067.jpg'><img width=\"400\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/in067.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-7-1006\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-7-1006'>\n\t\t\t\tThe basic make-up of the <em>minukku<\/em> character is less stylised compared with all the other types of <em>kathakali<\/em> make-up <span>Sakari Viika<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/in068.jpg'><img width=\"399\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/in068.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-7-1007\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-7-1007'>\n\t\t\t\tA female impersonator of the <em>minukku<\/em> type <span>Sakari Viika<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-8 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-8 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 50%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-8 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-8 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-8' class='gallery galleryid-285 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-full'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/in068b.jpg'><img width=\"600\" height=\"394\" src=\"https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/in068b.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-8-1008\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-8-1008'>\n\t\t\t\tA group of female characters with their <em>minukku<\/em> make-ups <span>Sakari Viika<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/in068c.jpg'><img width=\"400\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/in068c.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-8-1009\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-8-1009'>\n\t\t\t\tBesides the basic characters with their fixed make-ups, there are also special characters, such as the mythical bird, with their particular costuming and make-up types <span>Sakari Viika<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<ol>\n<li><i>Paccha<\/i> or the \u201cgreen\u201d types include heroes who are always good and brave. Their faces are painted green and the face is surrounded with a white frame-like ridge, made of thick rice paste <i>(chutti)<\/i>. This white frame gives the face an idealised shape and underlines the expression of the eyes as well as the lips, which are painted so as to present a permanently pleasant smile.<\/li>\n<li><i>Katti<\/i> or the \u201cknife\u201d types are usually the villains of the play. They have various make-up styles that combine the positive green colour with red, which represents aggressiveness and greed. Various <i>chutti<\/i> boards can be added to the make-up, as well as artificial bulbous extensions to the tip of the nose and even the forehead. The colour combination reveals the inner qualities of the characters.<\/li>\n<li><i>Tadi<\/i> or the bearded role types wear a long, artificial beard made of wool. The <i>tadi<\/i> characters are divided into three groups.<br \/>\na. The white-bearded characters are generally good, superhuman beings, such as Hanuman.<br \/>\nb. The red-bearded characters are evil and bloodthirsty characters.<br \/>\nc. The black-bearded characters are hunters or primitive forest dwellers.<\/li>\n<li><i>Minukku<\/i> (\u201cshining\u201d) characters include women and <i>Brahmans<\/i>, <i>rishis<\/i>, sages etc. Their ochre make-up is less stylised than that of the other character types.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>(There are also some special characters with their own unique make-up types and some few characters even wear masks.)<\/p>\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-9 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-9 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 12%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-9 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-9 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-9' class='gallery galleryid-285 gallery-columns-8 gallery-size-full'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/in069.jpg'><img width=\"600\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/in069.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-9-1010\" srcset=\"https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/in069.jpg 600w, https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/in069-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/in069-500x500.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-9-1010'>\n\t\t\t\tAll the role types, except the <em>minukku<\/em> characters, wear a heavy, skirt-like lower garment <span>Sakari Viika<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/in070.jpg'><img width=\"600\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/in070.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-9-1011\" srcset=\"https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/in070.jpg 600w, https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/in070-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/in070-500x500.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-9-1011'>\n\t\t\t\tMost of the characters wear a heavy crown with a halo. The crown and most of the ornaments are made of gilded wood and they are decorated with coloured stones <span>Sakari Viika<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl>\n\t\t\t<br style='clear: both' \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>The costuming and ornaments are more elaborated than those of <i>kutiyattam<\/i>. The skirt-like lower garment, used by all role categories except the <i>minukku<\/i> type, is voluminous and constructed of several layers of heavy cotton. The upper body and arms are covered with a loose, red jacket.<\/p>\n<p>Heavy ornaments, mostly of gilded wood with coloured stones, are worn on the neck, ears, shoulders, wrists and forearms. Long, white and red scarves are worn around the neck. Most of the characters wear a heavy, gilded wooden crown with a round halo (<i>kireetam<\/i>), decorated with green and red stones. Silver nails are worn on the fingers on the left hand.<\/p>\n<h2>To Become a Character<\/h2>\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-10 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-10 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 12%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-10 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-10 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-10' class='gallery galleryid-285 gallery-columns-8 gallery-size-full'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/in071.jpg'><img width=\"600\" height=\"409\" src=\"https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/in071.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-10-1012\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-10-1012'>\n\t\t\t\tThe make-up is completed by means of colouring the eyeballs red with the seed of a certain plant <span>Sakari Viika<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl>\n\t\t\t<br style='clear: both' \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>To prepare the make-up of the main characters may take as long as three hours. The finishing touch is done by dyeing the eyeballs red with a seed of a certain plant. During the make-up process, the actor slowly becomes transformed into the character of the play.<\/p>\n<p>When the make-up is ready, the actor puts the crown on his head. After that, he no longer speaks, because he is no longer his ordinary self but an embodiment of the character he is playing. It is said that an actor whose personality is discernible after the make-up has been applied is not a good <i>kathakali<\/i> actor.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-11 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-11 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 20%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-11 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-11 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-11' class='gallery galleryid-285 gallery-columns-5 gallery-size-full'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/in071b.jpg'><img width=\"400\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/in071b.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-11-1013\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-11-1013'>\n\t\t\t\t<em>Kathakali<\/em> is also offered as tourist entetainment in Cochi, Kerala <span>Jukka O. Miettinen<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl>\n\t\t\t<br style='clear: both' \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>The stylised, silent acting technique, the sudden powerful jumps and kicks, the overwhelming costuming with its glittering details, and the completely non-naturalistic make-up make the actors, indeed, look like visitors from another world.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Kathakali (Story Play) is probably the best-known form of Indian dance-drama all over the world. It evolved in the 16th century out of the kutiyattam tradition, and krishnanattam took its energetic footwork from the kalaripayattu martial arts tradition, which has been discussed above. Gradually kathakali\u2019s system of make-up and its costuming reached their present spectacular [&#8230;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2388,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[13],"tags":[36],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/285"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=285"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/285\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3295,"href":"https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/285\/revisions\/3295"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2388"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=285"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=285"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disco.teak.fi\/asia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=285"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}