FAQ

Can I learn Kathakali Makeup?

Make-up in Kathakali is quite a skill to master. The aesthetics, finesse and technical aspects of Kathakali makeup make it a challenging proposition. At the end of the day, once the makeup is done the Kathakali artiste should feel confident and so should the spectators watching the performance. That is because in Kathakali, each character has his/her own personality and the artiste concerned feels that is achieved only with the help of a top-notch makeup artist.

One may learn Kathakali makeup from government-run as well as private institutions in Kerala. Among the government run centres are the Kerala Kalamandalam in Thrissur district and Margi in the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram.

There are private institutions and individuals in Kerala giving training in Kathakali makeup. This has to be verified by prospective learners before making a decision.