Kathakali

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On Friday evening we attended a 3 hour demonstration Kathakali (google it) performance, which included watching the make-up and costuming. We found it to be very interesting and informative, but this was a performance geared specifically to tourists. We spoke to the owner of our guest house who told us of a real, all night Kathakali performance at a nearby temple. This performance is to celebrate an anniversary of something I haven't quite figured out yet. We went (we were the only tourists there) but only stayed for any few hours. The whole performance has many bizzare characters and involves a lot of drumming and chanting. This celebration will last for the day today finishing up tonight with an elephant parade and a temple blessing. I will post pictures of that later.

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Comments

[Pam Devito]

Thinking of you
Hi Iris! I have enjoyed reading your blog and hearing about your adventures. It is intriguing to be viewed as a tourist wherever you go which would make me feel I was missing being part of something more authentic. Still, to see, hear, taste and smell new things can add a nice dichotomy to the scene. Thinking about you! Take care until we see your words again. Pam

[Lifepart2]

Hi Pam, Nice to have feed back on the blog. Yes, we really stand out as tourists here, but that being said, my son has been mistaken for Tamil several times. It was really nice to be invited to the 'real' Kathakali, not something dumbed down for tourists. We were made to feel welcome and people were pleased that we were interested in the culture. We will attend another ceremony this evening at the same temple where they will have a parade of elephants. Will post more pictures on the blog.Having a great time, my son is a very knowledgable tour guide, I am very fortunate to be travelling with him. Looking forward to sharing my adventures with VIRCS(but not too soon, not ready for it to end yet) Say hello to everyone for me. Iris