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Skip the Line: Kathakali Cultural Show Ticket in 16th Century Ritual Dance Drama
4.9
16 Ratings
Experience the mesmerizing Kathakali Cultural Show, a 16th-century ritual dance drama. Skip the line and witness the slow transformation of actors into divinities and demons through facial expressions and gestures.
Duration:
4 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Cochin Cultural Centre - Originating in the latter part of the 16th century, Kathakali is a traditional dance-drama known for its ritualistic elements. It evolved from earlier theatrical forms known as Krishnattom and Ramanattom. The term Kathakali translates to ‘narration through mime’. In this classical performance, the artists do not utter a single word; instead, they rely entirely on their facial expressions, body movements, and hand gestures to convey the story. The process of applying Kathakali makeup is a gradual transformation, where performers transition from their human forms to embody celestial beings and demonic entities. This transformation is part of the spectacle and occurs in the presence of the audience, typically requiring 2 to 3 hours to complete the elaborate costuming and makeup.
What's Included
- Entry Fee
What's Not Included
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Private transportation
- Anything other than the inclusions
Additional Information
Kathakali, a classical ritual dance drama, originated in the late 16th century and evolved from ancient art forms known as Krishnattom and Ramanattom. Kathakali, which translates to ‘story-telling through pantomime’, doesn’t involve any speech - performances rely solely on the facial expressions, movements, and gestures of the performers. The process of applying Kathakali makeup is a gradual transformation where the performers transcend from mortals to gods and demons, which takes place in front of the audience during a span of about 2 – 3 hours until the performers are fully dressed and painted. (A minimum of 2 persons is needed. Not operational from December 15 to January 10)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(16 Ratings)
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301adinad
Apr 21, 2024
This is a must - The entire experience was great, an old art like no other that you can experience with the help of this cultural center. It starts with the painting part, then a demonstration of the expressions and an explanation of the kathakali , and the last part is a played scene. Highly recommend! The actors were amazing!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sherri_e
Feb 27, 2024
Great night in Kerala - Very interesting. Seating started at 5:00 and makeup application began shortly afterwards. The best part of the evening was the explanation where they demonstrated how the actors portray various emotions. We really enjoyed the evening which was made even better by visiting the spice shop down the street and Mary’s for dinner after the show.
Review provided by Viator
James_t
Feb 17, 2024
Great ! - The show is absolutely amazing. The only thing need to be improved is the management team should do seat arrangements better cause some of the guests are confused about where to take the seats and sit anywhere they want. It’s not fair to people who follow the direction and sit on the edge of the show room
Review provided by Viator
Nikolaos_p
Jan 12, 2024
cultural evening in the theater - It was a nice introduction to the Kathakali dance,which lasted only too little. The performace itself lasted only 20 minutes but the whole introduction and make-up for more than an hour. Yet I enjoyed it pretty much and I would recommend it to anyone that wants to know new cultures.
Review provided by Viator
Andreaquinta
Dec 8, 2023
Very nice - Really interesting show. It is clear that the actors took years to learn the movements of the eyes and the body. They convey emotions without having to speak. The singing of the narrator/singer is also splendid. As for the make-up, however, if you are not close to the stage you cannot understands very well.5 stars deserved.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
E9084lgpatriciar
Nov 30, 2023
Definitely go! - This was a highlight of our experience in India. We watched the dancers put make up on for a few minutes prior to the show, and we’re exhilarated by the colors, music and dances.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wander717321
Jun 24, 2023
Mesmerising theatre 🎥 performance - It was awesome the whole show from make up to the performance. Very punctual started and completed on time. Mind blowing experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Niju
Mar 30, 2023
Superb experience - Great experiance and had a nice presentation. The dance was aswsome which told the story and the facil expression was expressive.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Travel46639501467
Mar 30, 2023
Excellent experience - We got there early to witness the makeup artists at work; it was totally worth it. As the performance has no words and thus requires facial emotions, they showed how effectively the eyes can be employed. The show was captivating and perhaps the perfect time for tourists. I really liked the drums in the music.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Moon_l
Feb 27, 2024
Good show Highly recomennded - Show was good. Just don't show up too early, since you may be wasting more than a hour to watch the actor makeup. I sensed the show operator may be discriminated again peoples of colors, since they were all directed to sit at the side and the middle seats were reserve for whites only. You can also save money to buy tickets at the door at half of the price charged by Viator
Review provided by Viator
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