-----------

Kathakali Dance-Drama provides a comprehensive introduction to the distinctive and colourful dance-drama of Kerala in South-West India for the first time. This landmark volume: * explores Kathakali's reception as it reaches new audiences both in India and the west * includes two cases of controversial of Kathakali experiments * explores the implications for Kathakali of Keralan politics During these performances heroes, heroines, gods and demons tell their stories of traditional Indian epics. The four Kathakali plays included in this anthology, translated from actual performances into English are: * The Flower of Good Fortune * The Killing of Kirmmira * The Progeny of Krishna * King Rugmamgada's Law Each play has an introduction and detailed commentary and is illustrated by stunning photographs taken during performances. An introduction to Kathakali stage conventions, make-up, music, acting, and training is also provided, making this an ideal volume for both the specialist and non-specialist reader.

Kathakali Dance-Theatre records the art of Kathakali comprehensively, right from the scenario that paved the way for Kathakali's origin and development to its present history. The book chronicles its various facets - the acting, music and costumes, crucial contributions of the masters, momentous incidences, evolution of styles, riveting anecdotes, and related socio-political issues affecting Kerala. The firsthand personal rendition of the author's experience and the detailed glossary make it immensely readable. Full of photographs depicting the masters of the art, green room activities and the vibrant theatre of Kathakali, this book will be a treasure trove of information for uninitiated readers, arts scholars, theater buffs, potential researchers and students keen about the art and its future. Contents: Foreword; Preface; Charts: Evolution and Transformation of the Art Part I: Introduction: The Land and its Vivid Culture; Part II: A Personal Journey of Discovery, Chapter 1: Poor Man's Rich Legacy; Part III: Perspectives on the Origins and Development of Kathakali, Chapter 2: Traditions in the Arts of Kerala before the Emergence of Kathakali; Chapter 3: Krishnanattam and the Metamorphosis of Ramanattam into Kathakali; Chapter 4: Emergence of Kathakali; Chapter 5: Evolution of Styles in Kathakali: Two Distinctive Traditions; Chapter 6: Three Regional Patrons of the Kaplingatan School as the Southern Style; Chapter 7: Two Legendary Masters; Kathakali and the Natyashastra; Chapter 8: Kathakali's Development and Changing Patronage: Kerala Kalamandalam; Part IV: The Artistic Form of Kathakali, Chapter 9: Abhinaya in Kathakali; Chapter 10: Physical Acting, the Aangika Abhinaya; Chapter 11: Kathakali Sangeetam, the Vaachika Abhinaya; Chapter 12: Costuming, the Aahaarya Abhinaya; Chapter 13: Subtle Acting, the Saatwika Abhinaya; Chapter 14: Percussion and its Role in Abhinaya; Chapter 15: Performance, Theatrical Language, Dramatisation and Variations in Interpolative Acting; Part V: Present Trends and Future Possibilities, Chapter 16: Kathakali: Post-Independence and Present Prospects; Appendices: Women in Kathakali; Kaliyogams.

This book tells the story of teaching Kathakali, a seventeenth century Indian dance-drama, to contemporary performers in Australia. This study will be of great interest to students and scholars of theatre and dance, intercultural actor training, practice-led research, and interdisciplinary studies of neuroscience and performance.