A celebration of Kathakali, the classical dance drama of Kerala south India, presented by world-class artists from Kerala who have performed internationally for decades. The artists bring the classical qualities of Kathakali into the heart of the audience through accomplished acting, superb facial expressions, deep emotion, incredible characters, and stunning visual images.
The performance is called Hima Sundari and presented by Kalamandalam Barbara Vijayakumar and Kalamandalam Vijayakumar. The evening will begin with a short introduction to Kathakali followed by a tender story of love and devotion, introducing the audience to the enchanting world of Kathakali and to experience the ancient heritage of Kerala.
The Kala Chethena Kathakali Company was founded in 1987 by Kathakali make-up specialist Kalamandalam Barbara Vijayakumar and Kathakali actor Kalamandalam Vijayakumar. As the leading Kathakali group outside India, the company aims to make this art form accessible and enjoyable to audiences of all ages, abilities, and cultural backgrounds. Since its inception, the company has toured extensively across the UK, offering more than 2,000 full-company performances, 3,000 solo performances, 4,000 workshops, and 23 exhibitions of Kathakali costumes. From the Isles of Scilly to the Highlands of Scotland, they have brought the magic of Kathakali to diverse communities, ensuring that this rich tradition continues to inspire and captivate audiences throughout the UK and beyond.