JAPANESE & INDIAN TRADITIONAL ARTS
KABUKI & KATHAKALI
Similar yet different...

In Japan and India, traditional performing arts continue to win peoples’ hearts till date. I particularly like ‘Kabuki’ and am very fascinated by 'Kathakali' as well. I find that both are quite similar in many ways despite their differences in expressions and languages.


‘Kabuki’ is a classic performing art with a rich history of 400 years and dates back to the 17th C. It is a form of classical theatre. 'Kathakali' is also one of the oldest theatre forms in the world.It originated over 500 years ago.


The attractive colourful costumes and flamboyant makeup in both Kabuki and Kathakali  are truly fascinating. Both dances are noted for the attractive makeup of the characters and elaborate costumes.  


But most of the Kabuki plays symbolize the medieval period i.e. the “Edo jidai”. While Kathakali dancers enact stories from Indian folk epics like "Ramayana" and "Mahabharata".


However in both dances, the elaborate makeup of the characters is very important.In the plays of Kabuki , the makeup alone reflects their personality and moods. The concentration is more on makeup and not so much on natural expressions.  In Kathakali , dancers elaborately paint their faces too. It is interesting to find out that the colours used in the makeup of Kathakali dancers are determined by the nature of the character. For instance, the makeups of the divine heroes are predominantly green while characters of nobility with evil streaks are similar but slashed with red marks on the cheek.I find it interesting that in both Kabuki and Kathakali , the makeup is so loud and colourful that it actually resembles a mask.


In Kabuki , a lot of stress is laid on how the characters deliver the lines as well. The lines that are delivered by the performers have a rhythm to it. I was told that all the actors in these plays are men. It’s interesting to know that both the male and female characters are played by male actors. Kabuki takes place on a rotating stage. On the other hand, in Kathakali actors enact their parts through 'mudras' (graceful hand movements). There are about 24 important mudras. They wear stylized costumes with tall head dresses. Kathakali displays detailed gestures and well-defined body movements.


But both Kabuki and Kathakali are an art that combines singing with dancing. They are a beautiful combination of drama,dance,music and ritual.Music provides a perfect background for the stories in both the dances...

Kathakali

Kabuki (Kagegami-Wallpaper)