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DAILY STAGE
PERFORMANCE IN NEW DELHI
We are conducting daily stage performance
for international tourists.
Kathakali is performed in open air on a roughly 5 metre square stage
in a temple compound. The stage is generally covered with coarse mats.
A tall and massive brass lamp fed with coconut oil is set in front of
the actors at the centre of the stage. This is the only lighting used.
The lamp itself as a point of gravitation, assumes a distinct
personality of its own with its two flames sometimes prancing and
leaping and now flickering. The lamp has two wicks, the thicker one
facing the stage and the other one facing the spectators.
The continuous thundering of the drum called Chenda heralds the
performance of Kathakali. Chenda is a typical drum which is played on
one side only by beating it with two sticks slightly upturned at the
ends. It is a percussion instrument with a very loud and piercing
sound. There is another drum called Madala which is played on both
sides simultaneously with hands. There are also large bronze cymbals.
All these three are played in unison to proclaim the performance. This
skilled and captivating drumming is known as Melappadam.
Then follows the pure Madala, that is drumming on the Madala alone for
sometime. Then there is Mangalacharan and invocation of the gods for
blessings and successful completion of the performance. It is followed
by the appearance of two men holding a rectangular curtain made up of
numerous bright and deep coloured silken pieces, richly designed and
embroidered. Two dancers perform a devotional dance behind the
curtain. The dance is of pure type and is called Todayam. The curtain
is lowered half way, showing the two dancers who are of noble class.
With the louder drumming they perform a captivating dance and the
curtain is removed to all accompaniment of sounding a conch shell.
For Further Details & Booking
Contact Us :
Natyakailas, D-999,Plam Extn. Sector-7, Dwarka, New
Delhi - 110 077, India
Tel: +91 11 32448503, Fax: +91 11 45542179
Mail:
info@natyakailas.org
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