Before the Show
Kathakali is an ancient form of theatre in Kerala India. The actors are all men and the training takes from 8 to 10 years. The actors are taught prescribed eye movements and facial expressions as well as stylized body movements which have their origin in martial arts.
There is no spoken word. The story is told through expression and movement and accompanied by drumming. The drama is heightened by stamping feet. The men stamp their feet using the sides of the foot rather than the bottom, no doubt to keep from injuring their feet. The stamping caused the floor to shake. Dramatic.
We were allowed to go backstage to photograph the actors getting dressed. It was a fantastic opportunity. Many of the actors were young men who performed as a part time occupation. They were quite friendly. Many spoke English and were happy to pose briefly as they applied their makeup.
I was not looking forward to the actual play as I have never enjoyed mime and I didn’t think I would understand what was happening. Once the drama began, I got caught up in it and enjoyed it immensely. The emotion the actors conveyed was enchanting even to someone as ignorant as I was.