Overview
- Features: Basic Kathakali dance performance
- Opening Times: 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm (Sun to Fri)
- Best Time to Visit: Any time of the year
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Travelled By: Foot
- Cost: Rs 300
- Address: KB Jacob Road, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala, India
- Type: Event
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Summary
The Kerala Kathakali Centre is one of the premier theatres in South India where Kathakali, music, martial arts and other dance forms are demonstrated in traditional style. It is perhaps the best place to view a performance of basic Kathakali, a cultural dance of Kerala and South India and one of the greatest art forms of India.
Kerala Kathakali Centre Fort Kochi
The Kerala Kathakali Centre is one of the premier theatres in South India where Kathakali, music, martial arts and other dance forms are demonstrated in traditional style. It is perhaps the best place to view a performance of basic Kathakali, a cultural dance of Kerala and South India and one of the greatest art forms of India. Set in an intimate, wood-lined theatre, the centre was founded in 1990 in Fort Kochi. The aim of the centre is to popularise and encourage the classical arts of Kerala, discover new talents, and improve the standards of training and performances by rigorous discipline and dedication. Various traditional arts and rituals are also encouraged and performed at the centre.
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History of Kathakali
Elements of the art of Kathakali are found in the ancient ritual plays of Hindu temples and various dance forms that are believed to have been gradually developed in Kerala from as early as the 2nd century until the end of the 16th century. Many of its characteristics are very much older than its literature, as they are a continuation of older traditions, but these did not crystallize until the 17th century when the Raja of Kottarakkara, a small principality in central Travancore, wrote plays based on the Hindu epic “Ramayana” in sanskritised Malayam, which could be understood by ordinary people. Before this, the stories were enacted in pure Sanskrit, which was known only to the learned few.
From then on, Kathakali emerged as an individual style of dance-drama into a “people’s theatre” from the traditional dances of the past. The plays were performed by the Raja’s own company of actors, not only in temples and courts, but from village to village and house to house. The new art form (called Ramanattan) soon became very popular all over the Malayalam-speaking area. The feudal chieftains of Malabar (as the area was then called) began to vie with one another in their efforts to produce the best Kathakali troupes and this competition contributed to the rapid development of the art in a very short period.
Performances
There are three performances held every evening – Kathakali, Indian Classical Music and Classical Dance. In addition, Kerala Kathakali Centre also have Halaripayttu (Martial Arts), Yoga and Meditation in the mornings.
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Of all the performances, the most popular one is the Kathakali. While the show starts at 6 pm and continues till 7:30 pm, it is advisable to arrive early to watch the actors put on their make up which is half the attraction of the event. Make-up application starts at 5 pm and continues for an hour while the actors sit on stage and apply their make-up with care in front of a mirror.
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Prior to the main performance, the show begins with a few basic examples of Kathakali eye movements to express different emotions. This is quite interesting as it requires great control and flexibility of the eyes and the performance is quite impressive.
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The main performance is taken from the Mahabharata which is a religious Hindu mythological story. The story is called Kiratham, written by Irathakulangara Rama Varrior. The play has three characters, the two main characters being Arjuna (green face) and Lord Shiva (black face) disguised as a forest-dwelling hunter, and Lord Shiva’s wife Parvathi.
Third of the Pandava princes, Arjuna is a famous archer and extremely proud of his skills. He prays to Lord Shiva, God of the Hindu trinity, for perfection in archery; he wants to obtain the most powerful arrow, Pasupatham.
Lord Shiva is urged by his wife Parvathi to meet Arjuna and destroy his egotism. A violent duel ensues where Arjuna is beaten and loses his egotism. Finally, Lord Shiva appears as himself and blesses Arjuna by giving him the arrow, Pasupatham.
Tickets
Tickets can be booked in advance either directly from the Kerala Kathakali Centre (in person or via their website www.kathakalicentre.com) or from the accommodation you are staying at in Fort Kochi. Seating is based on your ticket number so it is wise to book early to get a front seat. Alternatively, you can do what we did and walk up to the balcony viewing area (if it is not occupied) and have your pick of the seats.
Program
Halaripayattu (Martial Arts) – 4:00 to 5:00 am
Yoga – 6:30 to 8:00 am, 9:00 to 10:30 am
Meditation – 8:00 to 9:00 am
Kathakali – 5:00 to 6:00 pm (Make-up application), 6:00 to 7:30 pm (Demonstration & Show), Sunday to Friday
Indian Classical Music (by special guest artists) – 8:00 to 9:00 pm, Sunday to Friday
Classical Dance (Bharatanatyam, Kutchipudi Mohiniyattam & Kalaripayattu) – Saturday evening
Prices
Kathakali – Rs 300
Indian Classical Dance – Rs 300
Indian Classical Music – Rs 250
Halaripayattu (Martial Arts) – Rs 250
Meditation – Rs 200
Yoga – Rs 350
Getting to & from Kerala Kathakali Centre
The Kerala Kathakali Centre is located on KB Jacob Road south of Santa Cruz Basilica and the Chinese fishing nets in Fort Kochi. If you’re in the area, you can walk here easily, otherwise hop into an auto rickshaw.
