Experience the vibrant culture of Kerala, South India, through a colourful exhibition of rare costumes, traditional dress, photographs and artefacts, curated by The Kala Chethena Kathakali Troup.
Through incredible costumes discover the powerful and dramatic world of Kathakali dance-drama, the graceful art of Mohiniattam, the beauty of Bharatanatyam, the colours of Theyyam, and the ancient martial art of Kalaripayattu.
Featuring some of the only complete Kathakali costume set outside India, this unique exhibition offers a fascinating insight into some of the world’s oldest and most spectacular cultural traditions.
The Kathakali costumes which will be on display are the only full sets outside of India and will eventually join the South Asian Costume Collection at the V&A Museum. The headdresses include intricate wood carving techniques, with sections being over 200 years old. The exhibition illustrates how the performing arts of Kerala are considered sacred, and how the costumes, and makeup, reflect the important role that they play in the performing arts of Kerala.
About The Kala Chethena Kathakali Troupe
The Kala Chethena Kathakali Troupe was founded in 1987 by Kathakali makeup specialist, Kalamandalam Barbara Vijayakumar and Kathakali actor, Kalamandalam Vijayakumar. Together they that set out to make classical Kathakali accessible and enjoyable to everyone regardless of location, age, ability, gender or cultural background.
Edward and Stacey Poduthas founded Ed Art created a Theyyam costume and aims to bring the rhythm, stories and soul of Kerala to the heart of the UK. Hrishikesh Kizhikkiyil founded CVN Kalari UK to establish the ancient art of Kalaripayattu in this country.
Made possible with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Included in general Museum admission.
Special events
Join us for a series of special events celebrating the culture, traditions and performing arts of Kerala, India:
10 October – An Afternoon with Ed Art (2:00pm–4:00pm)
Ed and Stacey from the local Kerala community will welcome visitors, answer questions and give an informal guided talk about the exhibition, Theyyam and Kerala.
17 October – An Afternoon with Kalaripayattu (2:00pm–4:00pm)
Meet Hrishi, founder of CVN Kalari UK, who will introduce Kalaripayattu, one of the world’s oldest martial arts, and answer visitors’ questions.
at The Box Arts Club, Arts Central Studios.
28, 29 & 30 October – An Afternoon with Kathakali
Watch the traditional Kathakali make-up process from 10:00am–12:30pm, followed by a guided tour, performance by visiting artists from Kerala and Q&A session from 2:00pm–4:00pm.
No additional ticket is required.
