The Kathakali stage is as simple as it can be. No scenery is required as the actors describe everything by their mudras and facial expressions. At the front of the stage, which traditionally is an open space of ground or the forecourt of Hindu temple, stands a large bellmetal lamp from which two cotton wicks floating in coconut oil give out a mellow and exciting light. This is as it should be, but now-a-days performances are usually given in halls with footlights, microphones and other impedimenta of the modern stage. But the lamp, which has a relegious significance, is always in the front of the stage, and all movements converge on the lamp.