A taste of Kerala with sacred theatre and storytelling visits Slough's Curve Venue

Immerse in storytelling, dance, drama, ritual, vibrant costumes and intricate three-dimensional makeup.

The Kala Chethena Kathakali Company presents Kathakali at Curve Venue in Slough next week.

Kathakali is the classical dance drama of the south Indian state of Kerala which evolved from earlier temple art forms in the 17th century and is based on Hinduism.

The outcome is one of the world’s most impressive forms of sacred theatre.

The makeup has been featured in the Guinness Book of Records as the 'most three-dimensional' in the world.

Colourful costumes and elaborate three-dimensional make-up magically transform the actors into gods, kings, devils and princesses and tell universal stories from the Hindu epics.

The Kala Chethena Kathakali Company is the leading Kathakali group outside India.

Their vision is to make Kathakali accessible, understandable and enjoyable to people of all ages, abilities and cultural backgrounds.

The company was founded in 1987 by Kathakali make-up specialist Kalamandalam Barbara Vijayakumar and Kathakali actor Kalamandalam Vijayakumar.

The couple met whilst studying at the Kerala Kalamandalam, a world-famous for Kerala arts and culture. 

Barbara was the first female 'chutti' make-up artist in the world.

Before the performance starts a demonstration will illustrate how a Kathakali actor tells a story through emotions, facial expressions, characters and gestures.

A short film will take the audience back to when Kathakali first emerged 600 years ago.

This performance offers a rare opportunity to see Kathakali in this country, view the makeup, see the costumes and meet the artists.

Kathakali at Curve Venue takes place on Thursday, October 24 at 7.30pm. Tickets are £16 | £12 conc.

To book, visit https://curvevenue.uk/events/kathakali