Kathakali LIVE

About us

We're delighted to host the Kala Chethena Kathakali Company at Market Hall as part of their UK Autumn tour!

Kathakali is a piece of visual theatre that originated in the temples of Kerala, Southern India, around 500 years ago. It is a breathtaking brand of theatre, movement, drama, vibrant costumes, stunning makeup, ritual and symbolic storytelling.

The stories reflect human behaviour that has changed little over the centuries. They highlight family, equality, the right of women to be safe and valued, vanity, spirituality, love, devotion, compassion and the pointless destruction and suffering in the world.

Before the performance there will be a short demonstration to show how a Kathakali actor tells a story through emotions, facial expressions, characters and a 4000 year old sign language called Mudras.

We welcome people of all ages and cultural backgrounds to join us and celebrate the magnificent art of Kathakali.