Kathakali is one of the most popular cultural identities of India. It is an interesting amalgam of dance, drama, classicism, music, folk, costumes, makeup and story telling.
Kathakali is an unmatched synthesis of the folk in the classical theatre tradition of India. The state of Kerala and the adjoining South Western Indian region are the homeland to Kathakali. Kathakali performances are based on the stories from Mahabharata, Ramayana and Shaiva literature.
Kathakali originated in the 17th century in Kerala. It is influenced by Natyashastra and other classical theatre practices but it has its own distinctive repertoire created through the appropriation of the folk.
In it’s theme and presentation Kathakali ofers multi layered text of folk appropriation. The evil and good characters are equally attractive in their demeanour while performing.