Like Kerala's KATHAKALI, the mime dance, accompa- nied by music, which is now globally acclaimed as one of the finest art forms. KATHAKALI is a time-tested synthesis of indigenous animistic rituals and theatre traditions evolving into a distinct dance form, with its own unique head- dress, costumes and coloudul makeup. KATHAKALI artists present an exceptional facade with their madeup faces. The makeup takes hours to complete as each character needs a particular colour combination, to depict whether he is a saint or a villain in the play he is to perform.
All these spectacular head dress and mask-like makeup is believed to be an adaptation from THEYYAM make-up techniques. It takes years of hard work to pedect KATHAKALI as it needs total control of the body, and the muscles, including the miniscule movements, to graphically demonstrate every little nuance of emotion... all through facial expressions, especially eye movements and gestures of the hand.
Kathakali mudras or signs have to be mastered to understand their mime. Understanding background music also helps follow the theme. Orchestra on stage has drums, cymbals and a gong. Two singers narrate the story, culled from mythology, like MAHABHARATHA and RAMAYANA.
