Thicker Than Water by Kerry Washington;

Author:Kerry Washington; [Washington, Kerry]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Hachette Book Group
Published: 2023-09-27T00:00:00+00:00

Eventually, it became clear that I would not be performing Kathakali—Kalarypayattu and yoga would be all I was allowed to do. At first, I wondered why I was waking up at five in the morning to do calisthenics and fight training. Where were the elaborate costumes? Where was the green makeup? Where were the bright lights? What I learned was that it takes decades to be allowed onstage as a Kathakali actor. Although I came to India to study the theater, there was no way I would be allowed to participate in this tradition after just a few brief months. I watched the masters perform, but I didn’t get to do so myself.

I thought that I went to India to be onstage. Instead, I realized I went there to be with myself. I let the movement arts of Kalarypayattu and yoga be my teachers. The stage was India itself; the story was my own. I had been baptized in the waters of the monsoon rains. I was receiving the daily gift of fable, ritual, culture, and wisdom.

When it was time to leave India, I felt I had done what I came to do—I had grounded myself in this ancient tradition. These art forms had put me more fully in my body and closer to my truth. Part of that truth was that I had more love, respect, and reverence for theater than ever before. Developing this deeper connection with myself, as well as an awareness that I was longing to get back onstage to participate firsthand in the magic, seeded within me the knowledge that I was ready.

To this day, Kathy Atkinson has a postcard hanging on the wall of her office. On the front is an image of traditional Keralan drummers engaged in ritual performance. On the back is a note from me, sent from the other side of the world, telling her that I was loving every moment of my adventure in India, but that I was also looking forward to returning to the States and pursuing a professional life in the arts.

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