Mesmerized by Kathakali. Daily shows in Fort Kochi

Dearest fellow curious souls!

I am Ginger, 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 when I was strolling along KB Jacob Road, Fort Kochi. After marking my terror (oops) territory on random tourists, I walked with the crowd into a not so well lit room with a podium. There was something in the air, and my curiosity kicked in. I found a warm spot on the lap of an unsuspecting gentle-person. They were 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. They tell stories through expressive movements and gestures, and with dramatic eye rolls. That is 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 is about telling tales from ancient Indian epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The performers use facial expressions (rasa) and hand gestures (mudras), along with body movements, to narrate these epic stories without speaking.

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 bright, with layers of fabric and glittering ornaments, plus 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. It is beyond me why humans need to stereotype colors.) Just imagine the effort it takes to look this fabulous while also acting out a full story!

And let me tell you a secret, dear reader: Kathakali makeup is so detailed that it can take hours to apply! I would not have the patience for that, because I prefer a quick grooming session and I am ready to go. But these performers? They are dedicated, to say the least, and they have my respect.

Music that makes you want to purr

Every performance needs music, and Kathakali uses a powerful mix of drums, cymbals, and vocal singing to set the perfect mood for each scene. I am mostly into classical rock, but this music was intense and rhythmic. In some moments, it was as dramatic as a cat spotting a laser pointer. The instruments, like the chenda and maddalam, produce deep, resonant beats. These echo through the performance and guide 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 to dance and to show emotion with just their eyes and face. It is 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!

What makes the performance special

When dance, drama, makeup, costumes, and music come together, the result is pure magic. The stories come alive, and the audience enters a world of gods, demons, and epic battles. The performance’s intensity and colorful drama are so captivating that even the most indifferent cat would stay on the spot with eyes wide with curiosity.

Why you should experience Kathakali

If you are a curious kitten or a seasoned traveler, watching a Kathakali performance is an experience like no other. It is a historical and cultural art form that is unique to Kerala. The performers put great energy and passion into their work. Their dedication makes it a must-see if you ever find yourself in this beautiful part of the world.

If you are looking for a cultural experience that is full of color and emotion, with a touch of feline grace, try Kathakali. Who knows, you might even pick up a few moves for your next play session!

Kittens are advised to go with adult companions. Cats get free entry. Use Coupon Code ‘MEOW’

And here is the link to the daily show I went to. They perform daily, all year round.

Daily shows at Kerala Kathakali Centre

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

Makeup & Artistry at 5 to 6 p.m. Main Act at 6 to 7 p.m. Total: 2 hours at 600 INR

Phone: +91 989-586-0646. Email: [email protected].

Book now on the Kerala Kathakali Centre website

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

Is there anything else you would like us to add? Or something to correct? Or a question? Write to us at [email protected]