Details

Kathakali originated in Kerala South India over 500 years ago. It is a spectacular combination of drama, dance, music and ritual. Characters with vividly painted faces and elaborate costumes re-enact stories from Hindu epics. Kathakali - meaning ‘story play’ - embraces drama, dance, music, visual arts and ritual to create one of the world’s most exotic, visually exciting, and powerful forms of theatre. Colourful costumes and elaborate three dimensional make-up (known as ‘chutti’) magically transform the actors into gods, kings, devils and princesses, allowing them to tell universal stories of the struggle between good and evil through gesture, emotion and expression. The Kala Chethena Kathakali Theatre Company, featuring visiting internationally renowned artists from Kerala, South India - including world famous Kathakali master, Kalamandalam Gopi - celebrates its 21st anniversary year with this ten week UK tour. Formed in 1987, the company is now the foremost exponent of Kathakali, and this tour offers a rare opportunity to see such eminent artists perform this exceptional, legendary art form, and experience extraordinary non-western theatre and culture. Kathakali website.

Creatives/Company

Company: Kala Chethena Kathakali