Musicport presents a rare and  visually stunning performance by

KATHAKALI

The classical dance drama of Kerala, South India.

The Kala Chethena Kathakali Company

It’s the Indian equivalent of Moscow’s Bolshoi Ballet or Royal Shakespeare Company visiting your town!

Celebrating the success of the 2013 UK Tour The Kala Chethena Kathakali Companyis back in the UK in 2015 - direct from Kerala, with unforgettable Kathakali performances, top international performers, superb singers, rhythmic drummers and highly skilled make-up artists.

The Kala Chethena Kathakali Company was founded in 1987 by Kathakali actor, Kalamandalam Vijayakumar and Kathakali make up specialist, Kalamandalam Barbara Vijayakumar. The company has presented more than 1,500 performances and 3,500 workshops introducing the art of Kathakali to thousands of people.  

“They perform with amazing grace and dignity. Intense, hypnotic and spectacularly beautiful” The Daily Telegraph.

What is Kathakali?

KATHAKALI is a masterpiece of sacred theatre that erupts on stage with striking visual images that expose the magical world of South India. Nurtured for centuries by the remarkable people of Kerala, Kathakali leads the audience into the entrancing world of storytelling.

KATHAKALI can be traced back to Koodiyattam, the only surviving Sanskrit drama in the world, and Krishnanattam, a dance drama performed as an act of devotion to Lord Krishna. Kathakali has been ingrained in the temple culture of Kerala for centuries, bringing the ancient stories alive with incredible precision, extraordinary characters, powerful music and stunning images.

Kathakali is one of the most powerful forms of theatre in the world. The characters are completely transformed through elaborate three-dimensional make up called “Chutti”.

The actors, traditionally men, express grace, power and destruction. As the story unfolds, a Kathakali play provides both a gateway to the past, and a vision of the future. Relationships have changed very little since these symbolic plays were written, to challenge the spiritual values and social behaviour of the community.

“It is impossible not to find the performance colourful, entertaining and fascinating. The dancers` impressive skill, rooted in years of discipline, remind us of the glory of non-European drama” The Stage

It’s the Indian equivalent of Moscow’s Bolshoi Ballet or Royal Shakespeare Company visiting your town!