Being a
part of the age old cultural civilization, it is important for us to understand
the value and need of the traditional dance form that are more than 500 years
old and must not be allowed to pass into oblivion forever. It is true that the
majority of youth today have deviated their focus and interest towards modern
dance forms. Therefore, the need to create awareness and genuine awareness in
the minds of the young generation become vital is part for the future of
Kathakali in India, so that they are able to enjoy classical dance performances
in the real sense of the term.
Apparently thousands of young people are heavily
into non-classical dances; but there is no dearth of real talent and latent
qualities in many individuals, who will religiously carry forward the
traditions in future. There are people who are determined to make this art form
more popular among the youngsters. Today,
sadly, this ancient form of dance is dying out. Youngsters who might once have
become Kathakali dancers are drawn to hip-hop music and its promise of instant
fame and money.
(Image Courtesy:Google)
At the same time the exponents of this ancient art like
Kerala Kalamandalam, the centre for Indian performing arts, have failed to make
Kathakali simpler and more attractive to the present generation.Today, sadly, this ancient form of dance is dying out. Youngsters who might once have become Kathakali dancers are drawn to hip-hop music and its promise of instant fame and money.At the same time the exponents of this ancient art like Kerala Kalamandalam, the centre for Indian performing arts, have failed to make Kathakali simpler and more attractive to the present generation.The lack of understanding audiences and donations has led to such a scarcity of funds that it is virtually unfeasible to run and preserve the Kathakali training institutions. As a result most of them have closed down and the remaining few are in virtual decline.The government has experimented in paying lip service to Kathakali but it has not helped the cause much to revive the training centres. The future of Kathakali appears austere and gloomy; and it will certainly be a national tragedy if future generations are deprived of experiencing this important part of India's artistic heritage.
Kathakali evolved from many social and religious melodramatic forms of
Kerala. This dance form is a blend of dance, music and acting and dramatizes
stories, which are mostly adapted from the Indian epics. It is noted for the striking
make-up of characters, elaborate costumes, detailed gestures and well-defined
body movements presented in tune with the anchor playback music and
complementary percussion. There's no denying
that Kerela's much loved art form Kathakalihas a global appeal. In addition to narrating stories from Indian mythology, the art
form has been embracing more of Western and other Asian cultural stories. The
latest in the range is Don Quixoteby Margi Theatre Group based on the Spanish novel. Today when Kathakali
enjoys global acclaim, it is important to explore why it is in a club of its
own when it comes to absolute reach in terms of story-telling, performance and
theatrics.
For the past few years, artiste Sarath Kumar
Nedungadi from Kochi has been working on a project, in which Kathakali is fused
with the Japanese art form Kabuki. Such interesting initiatives bring in a
breath of fresh air into the art, and also trigger interest among youth. For
those used to the traditional grammar of Kathakali, these experiments break the
monotony of the stories.
(Image Courtesy:Google)
With people now living in a
fast-paced world, Kathakali too is implementing changes in areas like play
duration and stories. In such a scenario, fresh stories and collaborations are essential.
Many artistes too are now game to
try out new characters and stories. It is an chance for them to explore their
skills - to study the new elements and give their best performances. According
to the renowned Kathakali performing artists while performing Don Quixote in
Spain, a set of Spanish basics were integrated into the characters and that was
quite a taxing and revitalizing experience.
(Image Courtesy:Google)
It is also a finer prospect to recognize and
appreciate other art forms. When performances are mingled with elements of
various other cultures and their folk art forms, it presents a great chance for
the artiste to develop his scope to act upon. Moreover, it also helps them to
adapt to changing times and keep Kathakali relevant andentertaining. A popular folk form which started its
journey some 500 years back has come a long way over the years entertaining
people worldwide.
Kathakali
has mastered the art of ocular storytelling for over 500 years and offers a terrific
panorama to experience non-western theatre and culture. For years different
south Indian communities have been developing a greater understanding of
Kathakali and south Indian heritage through interactive workshops and
performances throughout India and world-wide. The aim is to make activities as
enjoyable and accessible as possible to enable people of all ages and abilities
to discover the fascinating art of Kathakali. Kathakali costumes are dazzling
and symbolize the Hindu deities through the most remarkable visual images in
the world of theatre. Some of the costumes are over 200 years old showing the
carving marks of 18th century craftsmen. The only full set of Kathakali
costumes outside of India, which are used in different performances are
eventually become part of the Victoria and Albert Museum`s permanent
collection. Workshops and performances reveal what the costumes represent,
their history, how they are repaired and how the characters are brought to life
by a Kathakali actor.
(Image Courtesy:Google)
The Kala Chethena
Kathakali Company is the leading Kathakali group
outside of India. It was founderd in1987 by
Kathakali make-up specialist, Kalamandalam Barbara Vijayakumarand Kathakali actor,
Kalamandalam Vijayakumarto bring the remarkable art and culture ofKathakalito the UK.Since then they have toured all over the UK enabling
thousands of people of all ages to experience to powerful storytelling of
Kathakali through workshops, performances and exhibitions.
(Image Courtesy:Google)
The Company is a renowned for presenting classical Kathakali
performances by world-class artists from Kerala, south India. They are a
touring company and since 1987 we have taken Kathakali to thousands of people
throughout the UK and beyond. To accompany our performances we offer workshops,
demonstrations and an opportunity for our audiences to see the make-up view the
costumes and meet the artists. The Kathakali performances offer a feast for the
senses as highly skilled artists transport the audience into the fascinating
world of Kathakali. Kathakali is suitable for all ages, cultural backgrounds
and abilities. They perform in schools,
colleges, village halls, art centres, theatres, museums and art galleries.
