We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

So, You Think You Can Be a Kathakali Dancer?

from Chai: Travel Poems by Marc Nair feat. Neon & Wonder

/

  • Streaming + Download

    Includes high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more. Paying supporters also get unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app.
    Purchasable with gift card

      name your price

     

  • Buy the Full Digital Album

lyrics

So, You Think You Can Be a Kathakali Dancer?
(Fort Kochi, Kerala)

The original mimes, they drop worlds
of meaning with each arched eyebrow;
mudras of body rhyme with royal stories
of devas and demons from the epics.

If I stand against the hero, I must become Kathi,
drawn like a knife, a chundappoo herb laid in
the lower eye lid to turn it red, like how we leave
a little hate in our spleen to sharpen anger.

To win the princess, I must answer to Pacha,
and paint my face green to proclaim nobility.
My jealousy will be left in the courtyard of those suitors
who can never crush the bearded rakshasas.

Each emotion must be studied, syncopated
to the slap and curl of each desiring arrow that speeds
my dance, stamping on the shadows of demons,
the chengila belling a constant worship call.

Kathakali, you have no words at all;
for words are faithful only to fallible makers.
Your tales are told instead with the navarasas,
the expressions, the nine – that make us human,
that makes us dance.

credits

from Chai: Travel Poems, released April 20, 2012

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Neon & Wonder image

Neon & Wonder Singapore

Neon & Wonder is a spoken word band from Singapore.

contact / help

Contact Neon & Wonder

Streaming and
Download help

Report this track or account

If you like Neon & Wonder, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Seafood Sam joins the show to discuss his newest album, " Standing On Giant Shoulders".
listen now