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Kathakali Dance Theatre: A Visual Narrative Of Sacred Indian Mime

News: The engaging book “Kathakali Dance Theatre: A Visual Narrative of Sacred Indian Mime” by KK Gopalakrishnan was just published.

The book gives readers a behind-the-scenes peek at the world of Kathakali, emphasising the green room, the challenges of the artists, and the special friendships created during extended make-up sessions.

In the 17th century, the state of Travancore saw the emergence of Kathakali.

The performance of the art form began on temple grounds and later became well-liked in the royal courts.

Natya Shastra, an antiquated book on dance penned by Sage Bharata, serves as the foundation for Kathakali.

Its hand movements are taken from Hasthalakshana Deepika, another classical literature.

At the beginning of the 20th century, it was in danger and close to going extinct.

The establishment of Kerala Kalamandalam, a centre of excellence for ancient art forms for the resuscitation of kathakali, was the brainchild of renowned poets Vallaththol Narayana Menon and Manakkulam Mukunda Raja.

The art form of kathakali incorporates dance, music, mime, and theatre.