Kathakali

I was fortunate to work in India documenting Kathakali which is one of the oldest theater forms in the world. It originated in the area of south-western India now known as the state of Kerala. Kathakali is a group presentation, in which dancers take various roles in performances traditionally based on themes from Hindu mythology, especially the two epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. A traditional Kathakali performance begins in the evening and continues throughout the night, culminating at the auspicious hour of dawn, when Good finally conquers Evil. Today, however, it has been modified for the proscenium stage, and urban audiences can participate in this ritualistic theater experience in the comfort of a plush auditorium, within the span of a couple of hours.