Kerala is not just about beautiful landscapes, backwaters and coconut trees but also about theaters, art and performance. Infact, Kerala is known as the King of Theater Performances. The elaborate costumes, hour-long makeup and immense energy all contribute extensively towards making this dance form a success.

Kathakali is an ancient dance form of Kerala. It is basically a musical drama which narrates ancient stories. Having evolved over a period of 300 years now, this act of story-telling through a dance form is unique and stupendous. The dance is perceived as being quiet aggressive with its sudden shift of stance from delicate to belligerent moves. The Kathakali dance, therefore, is performed by men.

The essence of the Kathakali dance lies in facial expressions and complicated dance moves. It is some experience to watch the kathakali dancers perform because they make characters whether in myths or legends all come alive. At some point in time, it is difficult to even separate the characters from their real self.

Kathakali dancers undergo rigorous training to make these performances come alive – massages being an important part of their physical fitness and performance delivery. Dancers are required to undergo special massages for the face, neck and arms to reduce maximum injury and to keep the muscles flexed and agile.

Makeup: The makeup can take hours as each color embodies a different character and significance. Infact, just one color representing a particular character can alone take several hours. Five characters are basically represented through the five colors as listed below:

• Pacha (Green): This color representative of noble characters
• Kathi (Knife): This kind of makeup is done to portray evil characters
• Kari (Black): This color is supposed to represent the demonesses
• Minukku: This color is given to portray sages and any female characters
• Thadi (Beard): This kind of makeup is generally worn to represent characters with beards

Now the beards also have different colors to represent different characters such as:

• Black Beard:The black beard is used to reflect the character of a hunter
• White Beard:The white beard is used to reflect noble characters such as Hanuman
• Red Beard:The red beard is used for evil characters

Costumes: The costumes are also quiet elaborate thereby comprising of a heavily decorated headgear, a layered skirt and tons of jewelry and/or ornaments.

As souvenirs, tourists can take back with them figurines of the Kathakali mask. The origins of this dance form dates back to the 17th century. Kathakali training in India is conducted on the banks of the River Bharathapuzha (Cheruthuruthy). This training school was set up as early as in 1927 AD by a much respected poet, Vellathol.