The Master of Pantomime

IN the dance form of Kerala known as Kathakali, the dancer communicates through facial expressions and eloquent movements of hands and body.

There was once a famous exponent of Kathakali in Ke r a l a . Hi s n a me wa s Parameshwaran but he was known as the Chakiar of Ammannoor.

One day the Chakiar was walking on the beach when the British Resident’s dog came bounding towards him. Afraid that it might attack him, the Chakiar pretended to pick up a stone and mimed the action of throwing the stone with great force. The dog stopped in its track and went back howling to its master. The Resident was very angry and admonished the Chakiar for throwing a stone at his dog.

“I threw no stone, sir,” said the man, humbly. “I merely pretended to throw one.”

“Then why did my dog howl?” snapped the Britisher.

“It thought it had been struck by the imaginary stone,” explained the Chakiar. “I don’t believe you!” said the Resident. “My dog does not have such a strong imagination!”

A look of theatrical anger came upon the Chakiar’s face. Then to the Resident’s horror, he stooped, seemingly to pick up a stone and flung his arm forward.

The Resident felt as if he had been hit on the forehead with a stone. He reeled back and fell to the ground. Then he touched his forehead gingerly to see if it was bleeding.

“Don’t be alarmed, sir,” said the Chakiar. “You’ve not been hit. I did not pick up a stone, nor throw one. I merely performed the actions.”

The Resident got shakily to his feet. He apologised for his behaviour and congratulated the Chakiar on his mastery of the art of pantomime.