This is one of the popular for of dance-drama which is performed only in Kerala, South India. The themes used in this dance form are religious in nature which deals with Mahabharata, Ramayana and others. Kathakali has a lot of similarities to both Ramanattom and Krishnanattom.
The artist colorfully painted faces and elobrate costumes re-enact stories.
The dance is performed only by men who also portray women characters. This dance was earlier performed only in temples however now-a-days they are also performed in theatres. The language of the songs used in Kathakali is Malayalam and Sanskrit called as Manipravaalam. The dance starts in the dusk and goes throughout the night and is performed in front of Kalivilakku (Kali – dance, Vilakku – lamp). Traditionally the lamp is used as a means of light when the play is performed.
