Call 01306 744 656 or
Call 01306 744 656 or
It takes about 8-10 years to even learn the basics…
I’ve been a kathakali performer for the last 40 years. It takes about eight to ten years training to learn the basics and even then you can’t learn absolutely everything from a teacher. Kathakali is a dance drama combining music, song, choreography and hand and facial gestures as a form of expression. Many of the scenes are created by the dancer himself. You need to double up on your improvising skills which requires a lot of research. Unlike other dramas, we don’t have a director.
There are many versions of kathakali’s history but they all revolve around man’s quest to find God. We can explore this during my tour, Demistifying Kathakali, at my centre in Fort Kochi where guests, should they want, can unravel my version of the drama’s origins. You’ll be able to watch an exclusive performance and get a taste of the training that goes into it. I’ll take you backstage and show you how the elaborate costumes are made – it can take up to two hours for a performer to get ready. You could even apply some of the colourful make-up (natural minerals with coconut oil) that we use on your face and try some of the basic moves.
The future of kathakali? You know 40 years ago it was a dying form of art. It was frightening. But now it’s coming into fashion again. We’ve performed stories other than the traditional Hindu mythologies like King Lear, Snow White and Cinderella. It’s a full-time job. You have to know the stories, scripts and have to be familiar with every subtle movement and expression. You also have to be a good dreamer because every performance is original. But the real impact isn’t happening on the stage, it’s in the minds of the audience.
Your journey will start with one of our UK team – someone like Malcolm, who's travelled extensively in India. They’ll shape your ideas into the trip of a lifetime. But they won't do it alone. They'll draw on the expertise of our contacts on the ground, connecting you to the people who'll make your holiday one you'll always remember.
Freephone an expert 01306 744 656
