During my recent visit to Kerala, I had this privilege to get first-hand exposure to this magical world of Kathakali: a traditional dance-drama which depicts age-old stories. I was staying near the town of Kumily and was anxious to experience Kerala’s rich cultural heritage. Along with the natural beauty of the Periyar Sanctuary of Thekkady, this presented an added attraction: the Kathakali performance that I watched.

The Build-Up : A Glimpse of Kerala Tradition

I entered the performance venue at 5 p.m. More than a hundred people were there, families and tourists, probably from some package tour. The hall was filled with excited enthusiasm—the stage was set for a memorable evening.

Chamayam – I Remain Impressed by the Transformation

Of course, one of the most fascinating things to watch was the artist who performed “chamayam”-that is, the intricate makeup that transforms them into their character. Incredible to watch, colors and patterns that show different emotions and characteristics of the character were applied right on stage. That transformation wasn’t just of appearances but of bringing to life the very soul of the character. Once the artist finished most of his makeup, he exited to the back and another prepared artist took the stage to start the performance.

The Introduction: Understanding Nine Bhavas

The performance started with an introduction to the nine “bhavas” or emotions that are collectively known as Navarasas, which is the basis of Kathakali. He enacted each one of them-from “Sringara” or love through to “Raudra” or anger, and “Adbhuta,” or wonder-using his facial expressions and pinpointing gestures with his hands. The audience was able to learn from this how Kathakali expresses emotions through dance.
Interactive Moments: A Moral Lesson in Attam

Then came the beautiful twist of events, when the artist summoned a man from the audience onto the stage. The artist acted out the eating of a banana and asked the man to imitate him. Having “eaten,” the man acted out throwing the peel on the floor; the artist subtly acted out his imagination of actually putting it into the bin. This simple yet strong demonstration was a lesson in cleanliness and responsibility, interwoven into the performance, reminding us that Kathakali is not about “ആട്ടം” or dance alone but to inculcate values as well.

Inviting Young Women: Dance in the Spotlight

At one point, I got an opportunity to invite three young women from the audience to dance on stage. The Kathakali artist guided them through the movements, demonstrating the steps with elegance. One of them danced beautifully, perfect in following the movements of the artist, while the other two, though not so exact in all their movements, brought their own charm and enthusiasm to the performance. This interactive session showed how “ആട്ടം” (attam) draws people together and makes them a part of the journey into storytelling.

Narakasura Vadham – The Main Story Unfolds

The second half was utilized to narrate the story of “Narakasura Vadham,” a mythical victory of good over evil. Powerful expressions and intricately formed dance movements, combined with rhythmic beats from the chenda, created this mythological presentation by the artists. The intensity and passion in their performance made every moment come alive, immersing the audience in the epic battle.

A Cherished Finale: Capturing the Moments

With the performance over, the artists invited us onto the stage to take some pictures with them. It was a special moment because everybody got to preserve this memory with these performers who devoted their lives to preserving this ancient art. I couldn’t help but take a picture with the artist, which made the whole thing personal and unforgettable. By including this photo here, I hope I get to share a piece of this enchanting evening with you.

Reflections: The Real Meaning of “ആട്ടം” (Attam)

This Kathakali was much more than the dance performance itself; it was an enlightened journey into the cultural heart of Kerala. The word “ആട്ടം” means “dance” in Malayalam, but it is far more than that word. It represents storytelling, emotions, values, and traditions passed on through generations. As the saying goes, “കഥ അറിയാതെ ആട്ടം കാണരുതേ” (Don’t watch the dance without knowing the story). Understanding the narrative behind the dance made my experience all the more enriching, where every movement and expression meant something.
If ever in Kerala, I suggest watching Kathakali for themselves. It is one great opportunity to connect with tradition much more than the entertainment value itself, and it provides lifelong memories of the living culture that still prevails.