KATHAKALI

Kathakali is a traditional form of dance drama (Katha-story, Kali-to play) from Kerala in south India. It is characterized by distinctive costumes, face make-up (which often takes hours to put on) and head gear. The themes are taken from Hindu mythology and the classics - the Mahabharatha, Ramayana and the Puranas.
The accompanying music narrates these tales in Sanskritised malayalam, set to the beat of the "chenda","maddalam" & "edakka" (traditional drums) and 'cymbals'. The dance has its own intricate grammer, consisting entirely of facial and eye expressions and hand gestures. Kathakali is usually performed in front of the huge Kalivilakku (kali meaning dance; vilakku meaning lamp) with its thick wick sunk till the neck in coconut oil. Performances are traditionally held in temple courtyards, often through the night, in the flickering light of the brass lamps, which enhance the dramatic effect of the elaborate makeup and costumes.