Kathakali, one of India's major dance-drama traditions, is a synthesis of many arts and traditions carefully developed within the framework of the Sanskrit theatre. Kerala is known for its innumerable dance and dance-drama tradition based on the classical, ritual and folk art forms. Kathakali can be described as a unique example of a fully integrated form, liberally absorbing, over many hundreds of years, various elements from other traditions and forms. It dates back to the 16th century when evolved from a confluence of ritual, folk, classical and martial sources and with a written literary form dating back to the 17th century. Kathkakali is significantly linked to Koodiyattam, which is as ancient as the 9th or 10th century. While the techniques and conventions of Kathakali are in close conformity with the ancient treatises on dramaturgy such as the Natyasastra and the Hasta Lakshana Deepika, strong elements of folk and ritual traditions have also been absorbed into its classical mould. The result is that a strong ritualistic undertone pervades Kathakali. There have also been other important influences in the development of Kathakali such as the martial traditions of Kerala symbolized by the institution of Kalari. All these have added an abiding vitality to the Kathakali tradition. Beginning from Ramanattam authored by Kottarakkara Thampuran, the present day Kathakali has grown and developed into one of the rare forms of total theatre prevailing in the subcontinent. This astounding development is due to the tireless efforts by an array of scholars and exponents notably Kottayathu Thampuran (author of the four Kottayam stories) Kaplingat Namboodiri and others. Kathakali is also a highly stylized form with forceful abstractions of body movements, gestures and mime. The makeup and costumes are colorful and elaborate. The training for Kathakali is long and incredibly exacting. The martial traditions of Kerala form an integral part of the training program and this, together with other finer aspects of teaching, produces a discipline and technical command that is astounding. All these together make Kathakali a great living tradition - a traditions that has been described as a Theatre of Imagination, a total theatre. More>> www.kalamandalam.com