 Find
an artist  |
|  |
| KALA CHETHENA KATHAKALI COMPANY | |
Kathakali is a classical dance drama that originated in the Hindu temples of Kerela, South India, over 500 years ago. Literally, Kathakali means 'story play' and it was created to perform stories from the Indian epics, the Mahabharatha and the Ramayana. Spectacular costumes, vivid make-up, dramatic dance and evocative live music make Kathakali one of the most exciting forms of theatre in the world. The Kala Chethena Kathakali Company was founded in Kerela by Kathakali actor Kalamandalam Vijayakumar and Kathakali make up artist Kalamandalam Barbara Vijayakumar in 1987. The company include outstanding artists from India renowned for their exceptional performances. All have undergone years of intensive training and have performed Kathakali all over the world. The Kala Chethena Kathakali Company returns to the UK for a nationwide tour in Autumn 2008 and is delighted to announce that the world famous Kathakali actor Kalamandalam Gopi will be joining the company of 11 actors and musicians. The Kathakali Experience - Schools Matinee - Make-up Demonstration - Exhibition of Costumes Along side a spectacular performance, the Kala Chethena Kathakali Company can also offer a matinee performance for local schools to be involved in the Kathakali experience. The matinee is run by the company's director Kalamandalam Vijayakumar and forms an introduction to this powerful and evocative art form. This can be augmented by a viewing of the make-up specialist applying the intricate 3-D make-up to each character. It takes six hours of make-up to prepare the actors for a performance and this process can be observed by the public/audience. The Kala Chethena Kathakali Company have the only full set of original Kathakali costumes outside of India and they are available for exhibition at your venue. |
" . . . it is impossible not to find this 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 was a fascinating visual and theatrical form which quickly captured the audiences' imagination." BATH CHRONICLE DOWNLOADS |
