Kathakali (katha-story, kali-drama) draws heavily from Kudiattam and Krishnattam (highly stylized and theatrical) folk drama traditions. Ritual traditions like Theyyams, Mudiyattam and the martial arts of Kerala played a major role in shaping the dance into its present form. Like Bharatanatyam, Kathakali also needed a resurrection in the 1930s. The great poet Vallathol rediscovered Kathakali, establishing the Kerala Kalamandalam in 1932 which lent a new dimension to the art-form. It thus developed its own styles of hastas and is not completely based on Natya Shastra. Kunju Nair, Krishnan Nair, Gopinathan and Karunakaran Nair are a few famous gurus of this dance.

Repertoire: Kathakali recitals are generally long and while other dance forms are more emotive than narrative, Kathakali is both. It combines dance with dialogue to bring myth and legend to life. The dance is performed in a makeshift open-air theater provided by a temple courtyard or a family mansion.  A pair of attendants holds up a patchwork quilt, which functions as a curtain.  The most important accessory to the performance is a brass oil lamp, as its quivering wick greatly accentuates the various shades of expression on the painted faces of the actors.  In the actual performance, there are three main types of characters: the Satvik (virtuous beings) which include gods, kings or heroes; the Rajasik, characters with specific vices, such as greed, lust, or vanity; and the Tamasik, the out and evil characters, such as demons.  The basic moral is always that of the eternal warfare between good and evil.

Minukku or female costume (left) and performers in action

Technique: The basic step of Kathakali is a sort of box step.  While holding the basic position, the step moves as follows: right forward one step, left foot joins it; right foot to the right one step, left foot follows; right foot back one step, left foot follows; left foot to the left one step, right foot follows, and repeat. Explanatory gestures and movements compliment the step, and the tempo may vary in speed, from a simple walk to bouncing leaps. Dancers also undergo a rather painful training of the eyes, so that they develop the ability to communicate a wide range of emotions and experiences entirely through the eyes, and without any benefit of supplementary gestures.

Costume and Music: The dancers use their stunning costumes and make-up, with the accompaniment of drums and vocalists, to create various moods and emotions. They adorn themselves in huge skirts and head-dress, wearing a most intricate style of make-up where color is used to indicate mental states and character. For example, green facial make-up indicates nobility and virtue, black face indicates a wicked female.

Though based on Carnatic music, the music is characteristic of Kerala and has its own local orientation. The Kathakali orchestra stands behind the actors in a semi-circle.  Within the orchestra, there are two to four different kinds of drums, as well as some flutes, a gone, and a chief singer.  One musician might also play on the harmonium, and another might hold a tamburu (a triangle of steel) while a third acts as a time beater.  The following is a list of more detailed descriptions of instruments used in the orchestra: