Lady Whiskersdown mesmerized by Kathakali

Dearest fellow curious souls!

I am Lady Whiskersdown, your whiskered guide to all things mysterious and magical. I am the resident cat-venturer at Cats of Kochi. Today, allow me to take you into the world of Kathakali—a fascinating dance-drama that originates from Kerala, India.

What is Kathakali?

I discovered Kathakali on a bright summer day was I was strolling along K.B Jacob Road, For Kochi. After marking my terror, oops territory on random tourists, I started walking with the crowd and entered a not so well lit room with a podium. There was something in the air. My curiosity kicked in. I found a warm spot on the lap of an unsuspecting gentle-person who was more than happy to pamper me for the next 2 hours or so.

I was not ready for this. It was mind blowing!

Imagine this: hoomans with faces painted in bright greens, reds, and yellows, wearing enormous, eye-catching costumes, all while telling stories through expressive movements, graceful gestures, and dramatic eye rolls. That’s Kathakali—a traditional dance-drama that dates back over 400 years!

Unlike your everyday dance, Kathakali is not just about moving to music. Oh no, it’s about telling tales from ancient Indian epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The performers use facial expressions (rasa), hand gestures (mudras), and body movements to narrate these epic stories without uttering a single word.

The Paw-some Costumes and Makeup

As a stylish cat, I can appreciate the flair of a good costume, and Kathakali does not disappoint! The costumes are vibrant, with layers of fabric, glittering ornaments, and headgear that could easily rival the size of a human child. The makeup, known as chutti, is no ordinary face paint—each color has a special meaning. Green represents noble characters, red signals evil, and black indicates the mysterious. (I know, I know. Humans need to stereotype colors is beyond me) Just imagine the effort it takes to look this fabulous while also acting out an entire story!

And let me tell you a secret, dear reader: Kathakali makeup is so detailed that it can take hours to apply! I wouldn’t have the patience for that—I prefer a quick grooming session and I’m ready to go. But these performers? They’re dedicated, to say the least. Respect.

Music That Makes You Want to Purr

No performance is complete without music, and Kathakali has a powerful mix of drums, cymbals, and vocal singing that sets the perfect mood for each scene. I am mostly into classical rock but the music was intense, rhythmic, and, in some moments, as dramatic as a cat spotting a laser pointer. The instruments—like the chenda and maddalam—have deep, resonant beats that echo through the performance, guiding the dancers in their storytelling.

Training That Requires Nine Lives (Or More)

To master Kathakali, performers train for years—sometimes starting as young kittens (or human children, in this case). They have to learn not only how to dance but also how to express emotions with just their eyes and face. It’s a little like how we cats communicate—just one look can say a thousand words! The training involves rigorous practice and even includes martial arts moves, which makes these performers as agile as, well, me!

The Magic of the Performance

When all the elements—dance, drama, makeup, costumes, and music—come together, the result is pure magic. The stories come alive, and the audience is transported to a world of gods, demons, and epic battles. The intensity, the colors, the drama—it’s all so captivating that even the most indifferent cat would be glued to the spot, eyes wide with curiosity.

Why You Should Experience Kathakali

Whether you’re a curious kitten or a seasoned traveler, watching a Kathakali performance is an experience like no other. It’s a blend of history, culture, and art that is unique to Kerala. The energy, the passion, and the sheer dedication of the performers make it a must-see if you ever find yourself in this beautiful part of the world.

So, if you’re looking for a cultural experience that’s full of color, emotion, and a touch of feline grace, look no further than Kathakali. Who knows—you might even pick up a few moves for your next play session!

Note: Kittens are advised to go with adult companions. Cats have free entry of-course. Use Coupon Code MEOW

Until next time, keep your whiskers twitching and your curiosity alive!

If you are into podcasts and want to listen to the history of Kathakali, I have used AI to generate an awesome informative podcast episode on Kathakali just for you. Here you go

And here is the link to the daily show i went to

Daily Shows at Kerala Kathakali Centre

📍 KB Jacob Road, Fort Nagar, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala, India

Makeup & Artistry at 5-6pm, Main Act at 6-7pm. Total - 2 hr @ 600 INR

Phone: +91 989-586-0646 | Email: kathakalicenter@gmail.com

Book Now!