Kathakali is based on Hinduism and is a highly charged and powerful drama that combines devotion and physical virtuosity with symbolic storytelling, to produce one of the most impressive and vibrant forms of theatre in the world.


KATHAKALI is part of this eternal evolution of Asian theatre and has retained the storytelling heritage of India for the last 600 years.


Through these stories we have a detailed description of how people lived 3,000 years ago.



We are fortunate to have Kathakali as a window into the past, to understand the ancient traditions that have been preserved for centuries through the dedication of the Kathakali artists, the Brahmin families and the people of Kerala, South India.



The traditional stories of India were often told through dance and drama. They were passed from one generation to the next to be performed in the heart of the community.



The stories performed by Kathakali are an integral part of Hinduism and the ancient temple rituals.



In the mid 17th century improvements to the presentation of Kathakali were made by Vettathu Raja, the ruler of an area in Kerala north east of Kochi.



He introduced several important developments into Kathakali:



1] Two singers to invoke the harmonies within the voices.


2] The Chengila [cymbals] - to beat the Tala – rhythm.


3] The Chenda - a powerful drum played with sticks.

[The Chenda was originally played in the outdoor temple
ceremonies to accompany the Thol Pava Kuttu - shaddow puppets].


4] Two singers, Ponni Karan and Sinkidi Karan were introduced to add the '' Thiranukuu'' . A method of introducing the evil characters of the play to the audience from behind a large satin curtain called a tereshiela, held up at the front of the stage.





At the end of the 17thcentury a number of Kathakali troupes called a Kali Yogam - [Kali Yogam means group] - evolved and always had a lead actor called an Adiavasana Karan. He was responsible for the training and the rehearsals that took place during the monsoon season.

He also arranged the performances during the dry season when the outdoor temple celebrations were held throughout Kerala.