Dance is all about expressing everything that a face is capable of expressing about human nature, behaviour and feelings. Kathakali is a dance form that is truly a masterpiece in this regard. It is very well known for its elaborate expressions, detailed dressing and epics that form the back ground of each dances. Each kathakali dance is an ‘aattam’ that is enactment of indian epics – akin to a play but complicated and reformed and yet old.

Kathakali emphasises on nrithyam ie enactment which are basically hand gestures to aid the expression that goes with it. It adds an element of drama with emphasis on ‘mudras’. Nritham ie dance is emphasis on the rhytm of movement of hands, legs, body and fingers. Natyam which is basically emphasis on facial expression is another component that is the most intricate in this art. There are rasas which forms the expressions – rasa of love, lust, anger, death, amour, humour, fear, pathos, valour, disgust, wonder, peace etc.

Each performance is accompanied by music using instruments called vadhya. It is accompanied by vocals that recite the story that the actor on the stage is enacting.

Kathakali is a dance form of a sounth indian state called kerela and has been evolving from ages. Actors never use speech or dialogue as a medium but the movement of their bodies. This dance requires a lot of training and physical stamina.

Each colour applied on the face of the actor has some relevance with the characted that he is enacting. The makeup for the male and female characted differs as well.

Kathakali is an example of sheer genius for art lovers who dwell in the magic world of art.