Kathakali is a classical dance - drama from South India, and has evolved over hundreds of years to become one of the most powerful forms of storytelling in the world. Originating in the temples of Kerala, Kathakali takes the audience into a world where characters, transformed beyond recognition with superb costumes and makeup, battle between good and evil, to illustrate how compassion, kindness and affection are superior to cruelty, greed and war.
Kathakali embraces drama, theatre, movement, music and rhythm, and is capable of absorbing deep and emotional situations experienced by humanity as people struggle to live in harmony and peace. The facial expressions and emotions are magnificent, especially when they connect directly with the audience. Kathakali illustrates how people today face the same problems that our ancestors did, thousands of years ago.
The Kala Chethena Kathakali Company includes, world-class actors, drummers, singers and a makeup artist, and was established by Kathakali make up specialist, Kalamandalam Barbara Vijayakumar, the first female Kathakali makeup [chutti] artist in the world, and Kathakali actor, Kalamandalam Vijayakumar in 1987. Together they have presented over 3,000 performances taking Kathakali from the Isles of Scilly, to the Highlands of Scotland, and most towns in between. Over 250,000 people have experienced Kathakali of all ages, cultural backgrounds, and abilities through their dedicated work.
The story to be performed is called Daksha Yaga. It is about the events involving King Daksha, his daughter Sati and her husband, Lord Shiva. Daksha Yaga is performed by Kathakali artists from Kerala, with the skill, and experience, to bring these magnificent characters alive, to tell their timeless story.