Kathakali
കഥകളിMalayalamSay it: ka · tha · ka · ḷi
- ḷ — l with the tongue tip curled back
- th — a soft t with the tongue against the teeth, not the English 'th'
Kerala's story-play, with painted faces and grand costumes
ConceptKathakali
Meaning
Kathakali, "story-play", is the dance-drama of Kerala that took shape in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Its elaborate costumes and coded make-up let the audience recognise each character type, and traditionally all roles were played by men.
Also written: kathakkali, kadhakali