Kathakali dancers in full make-up

Actors--Cochin (India)

Kathakali, literally, "story-play," draws its themes from Hindu epics and puranas (religious texts focused on particular deities). The elaborate make-up used by the actors indicates the slow metamorphosis of mortals into demons and deities. they transform themselves into mythical beings, step by step. The make-up process itself takes a few hours, while performances usually last about three hours. The actors are accompanied by a percussionist playing a variety of audiences.

Welch, Claude Emerson

State University of New York at Buffalo

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South India CD

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Hindu

Cochin (India)

2011-04-26

Welch-Ludwig Collection

PSC001