Expressions - Kathakali dance performance in Kerala.

This video was shot in February 2018 in Periyar, Kerala.
Kathakali is the major form of classical Indian dance. The word Kathakali is derived from Sanskrit word “Katha” which means "story or a conversation, or a traditional tale", and Kali from Kala which means "performance and art". Elements and aspects of Kathakali can be found in ancient Sanskrit texts such as the Natya Shastra. The dance symbolises the eternal fight between good and evil. The traditional themes of the Kathakali are folk mythologies, religious legends and spiritual ideas from the Hindu epics.
Like many classical Indian arts, Kathakali is choreography as much as it is acting. It is said to be one of the most difficult styles to execute on stage, with young artists preparing for their roles for several years before they get a chance to do it on stage. The actors speak a "sign language", where the word part of the character's dialogue is expressed through "hand signs, while emotions and mood are expressed through "facial and eye" movements. There are 24 main mudras and there are nine facial expressions called Navarasas, which are used to express the emotional state of the character in the play. In parallel, vocalists in the background sing rhythmically the play, matching the beats of the orchestra playing, thus unifying the ensemble into a resonant oneness.
Of all classical Indian dances, Kathakali has the most elaborate costuming consisting of head dresses, face masks and vividly painted faces. Kabuki, a Japanese art form, has similarities to Kathakali. Jingju, a Chinese art of dance-acting (zuo), like Kathakali presents artists with elaborate masks, costumes and colourfully painted faces.