Kathakali 5 - the Magnificent Make Up Poem by Geeta Radhakrishna Menon

The Make-up in Kathakali
Is larger than life size, blown up,
Fancier than any imaginative fiction of
Fantastic, awe-inspiring characters!

They loom large to capture the audience,
With their rounded, buxom skirts,
Overcoats and dazzling ornaments,
Resplendent crowns of fancy shapes!

A Kathakali artiste may be slim or small,
But after he dons the make-up and dress,
He transforms himself into a giant size being,
Celestial like 'Devas' or demonic like 'Asuras'!

The Make-up known as ‘Chutti' requires long hours,
Of painting the face of the artiste, prior to performance.
Kathakali make-up artistes are skilled and trained,
To paint, decorate, adorn the artiste with perfection.

For the artiste, it is an enthralling experience,
To begin with make-up, where he can lie down,
Relax peacefully, with closed eyes, even sleep,
Or else meditate on the character that he has to play.

To comprehend the colour scheme of ‘Chutti'
To enjoy the whole story of the enactment,
A connoisseur needs to know the meaning of the ‘Mudras'
Or gestures, and the lyrical language of ‘Sopanam' music!