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Literally meaning "Story Play", Kathakali (Katha-story, Kali-Play). Kathakali is around 300 years old. Today, only 30 plays out of the original 100 plays are being played. Most of the plays explicate the Hindu epics - Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranas. Kerala owes its transnational fame to this classical dance form, which combines facets of ballet, opera, masque and the pantomime. Pacha, Kathi, Thadi, Kari and Minukku are different make-ups in Kathakali. Each Vesham denotes the type of role. The late Mahakavi (great poet) Vallathol Narayana Menon took special interest in the art, brought it out of the temples, exploited its antiquity and, by unstinted efforts, swept the opera stages all over the world.

Literally meaning "Story Play", Kathakali (Katha-story, Kali-Play). Kathakali is around 300 years old. Today, only 30 plays out of the

original 100 plays are being played. Most of the plays explicate the Hindu epics - Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranas. Kerala owes its transnational fame to this classical dance form, which combines facets of ballet, opera, masque and the pantomime. Kathakali is usually presented in the Temple precincts after dusk. Singers vocalize the script while the players act out the play with their gestures (mudras and mughabhinaya). Kathakali is heralded by the Kelikottu (the drums) in accompaniment of the Chengila (the gong). The riches of a happy blending of colour, expressions, music, drama and dance are unparalleled in any other art form. Kathakali performers require hours of preparation.

Kathakali Make-up

Costume is elaborate with the face painted up. Great importance is laid on the Vesham (make-up), which are of five types - Pacha, Kathi, Thadi, Kari and Minukku. Each Vesham denotes the type of role.


	Pacha (Green)- portrays noble protagonists
	Kathi (Knife)- portrays villainous characters.
	Thadi (Beard)- There are three types of bearded or Thadi Veshams.
	"Vella Thadi" or White beard for superhuman monkeys like Hanuman.
	"Chuvanna Thadi" or Red beard is for evil characters.
	"Karutha Thadi" or Black beard for the hunter.
	Kari (Black) - Kari Vesham is used for lady-demons (witches in Indian epic)
	Minukku (Prettying Up)- The "Minukku Vesham" is used for female characters and sages.

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