Kathakali 4 - The Dark Characters Poem by Geeta Radhakrishna Menon

Kathakali 4 - The Dark Characters

Rating: 5.0


A fascinating art form of with rich and bold histrionics,
Kathakali showcases a variety of high flung theatrics,
Brimming with a plethora of emotions and melodramatics,
Of great gods, good men, also wicked and evil characters!

The stories are not always about love and fresh air,
That ends in a ‘happily ever after' fairy tale,
Or earth a heavenly place where only goodness reigns,
Nor a dreamland where only scented breeze blows!

Just as Kathakali is adept at presenting Thespian
Godly and noble men who are great emperors and kings,
Courageous war heroes who are ever triumphant,
They present the reality and truth of human life on earth.

Earth is a ground for demons and devils as well,
Who roam round planning and plotting evil deeds,
Forest dwellers, hunters, poisonous serpents, witches,
Fierce creatures, ferocious animals - they all dwell!

Their characters are blown into kaleidoscopic colours,
Never - the straight jacketed black and white existence,
There are a lot of grey shades splashed into life's canvas
By the fantastic Kathakali actors, singers and drummers!

The black make-up known as ‘Kari' in Kathakali,
With a white blob of pith on the nose of an ogress,
With sharp nails extending to claw the enemy or devil,
Represent the dark, bad, vicious, characters of this world!

Kathakali 4  -
  The Dark Characters
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
Topic(s) of this poem: dance,dancing,drama,character,good,evil
COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Kostas Lagos 26 January 2021

This character is really impressive

1 0 Reply
me poet yeps poet 27 January 2021

u r toooooo goooood

1 0 Reply
Savita Tyagi 27 January 2021

Fascinating poem. As beautiful as the form of Kathakali dance itself.

1 0 Reply
M Asim Nehal 27 January 2021

My earlier comment vanished. Geetaji you brought all the characters alive in your poetic kathakali. Behind the darkness of black there is a ray of hope which is reflected by white colour on nose, though evil is big still is has little goodness left in it. Fabulous.5***

1 0 Reply
Kumarmani Mahakul 27 January 2021

Fascinating art of Kathakali motivates mind. The art is associated with brilliance and beauty of mankind. Dark art explores the beauty of performance.

1 0 Reply
Varsha M 26 January 2021

Ma'am this is really beautiful. I never knew this character in Kathakali thank-you for enlightening through your poem. Its actually refreshing.

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