Masque of Malabar

A compilation of footage filmed on location in Kerala from 1966 to 1972, of authentic Kathakali in its natural surroundings. Includes scenes of a Hindu temple festival with decorated elephants, accompanied by massed drumming, typical of Kerala. Shows the process of making up for the show with shots of preliminary music and dance sequences. Shows the stages in training of an actor and the roles that a Kathakalai actor plays. Concludes with extracts from two plays from the Mahabharata with commentary describing the story of the play.