Kathakali
Kathakali originated from Ramanattom and Krishnanattom. History has it that Raja  of Kottarakkara  sculpted Ramanattom when the Zamorin  refused to allow a performance of Krishnanattom in the former’s palace. Subsequently, Kottayam Thampuran  composed several plays on Mahabharata thereby making these distinct from stories based on Ramanattom. Thus, Kathakali was born. Kathakali shares a lot of similarities to both Ramanattom and Krishnanattom. But it also incorporated several outside elements, which is thought to have contributed to its popularity. In particular, the increasing use of Malayalam, which is the local language  made it more popular among the masses. During its evolution, Kathakali also imbibed elements from folk and martial arts which existed at the time in Kerala. Characters with vividly painted faces and elaborate costumes re-enact stories from the Hindu epics, Mahabharata and Ramayana. Kathakali is featured in the award-winning Indo-French-German produced film Vaanaprastham. Kathakali has traditionally been performed in Hindu temples, but nowadays it may also be seen in theatres.

there are 101 classical Kathakali stories. Most of them were initially composed to last a whole night. Nowadays there is increasing popularity for concise versions of every story (lasting 2-4 hours instead of a whole night), which has been made by selecting the most dramatic or popular portions of individual stories. In spite of being a classical art form, Kathakali can be appreciated by novices and connoisseurs. This is because of the frequent use of “Lokadharmi” (or the elaboration of folk elements)which allows novices to gain a foothold when they start watching Kathakali. In contrast “Natyadharmi” (which is based on the Natyasastra-the science of Natya and is the more classical component of the art form) delights the experience of novices and connoisseurs alike. It is good to have an idea of the story being enacted. This will help the spectators to appreciate the “personalization” of characters by individual actors.

the most interesting aspects of Kathakali is its elaborate make-up code. Most often, the make-up can be classified into five basic sets namely Pacha, Kathi, Kari, Thaadi, and Minukku. The differences between these sets are the predominant colors that are applied on the face. Pacha (Pacha=green)has green as the dominant color and is used to portray noble male characters who is said to have a mixture of "Satvik" (pious)and "Rajasic" (kingly)nature. Rajasic characters having an evil streak ("tamasic"= evil), such as the demon king Ravana, are portrayed with red as the predominant color in a green background. Excessively evil characters such as demons (totally tamasic) have a predominantly red make-up and a red beard. They are called Chuvanna Thaadi(Red Beard). Tamasic characters such as uncivilized hunters are represented with a predominantly black make-up base and a black beard and are called Kari/ Karutha Thaadi (meaning black beard). Women and ascetics have lustrous, yellowish faces and form the fifth class. In addition there are modifications of the five basic sets described above such as Vella Thadi (white beard) used to depict Hanuman (the monkey god) and Pazhuppe, which is used for the Sun God.

The most popular Kathakali artists have obtained their training from one the four centers below, which follow the traditional "gurukula" style. Moreover these four centers are the oldest ones with some of them present from pre-independent era of India. Kerala Kalamandalam  PSV Natya Sanghom  Gandhi Seva Sadan Kathakali and Classic Arts Academy, located in Perur, near Palakkad, Kerala  and Unnayi Varier Smaraka Kalanilayam located in Iringalakuda, near Thrissur, Kerala

Kathakali Centres

There are new centers, but they are relatively new compared to these old schools where masters of the art such as Kalamandalam Ramankutty Nair  and Keezhpadom Kumaran Nair ( and contemporaries trained their disciples.  Vella Kathakali Vidyalayam and Kalabharathi Kathakali Vidyalayam,FACT Kathakali School, RLV Kathakali vidyalayam Trippunitura also conducting Kathakali classes.
major parts of this article was taken from wikipedia