Experience the magic of south India through the powerful storytelling of Kathakali. Join us for an afternoon of South Indian art, culture, and refreshments brought to us by the The Kala Chethena Kathakali company. The afternoon starts with a workshop exploring how a Kathakali actor tells a story using facial expressions, emotions, character and a 4,000 year old sign language. This is followed by a Kathakali solo performance – experience a powerful and emotional Kathakali story, performed by a world-class expert, Kalamandalam Vijayakumar. The performance follows the journey of a young woman from the joy of her wedding to the sad loss of her husband. Complete the afternoon with refreshments.
No experience is required to take part in the workshop. Malayalee and non-Malayalee members of the community can both access the emotional qualities of this powerful story, that exposes the compassionate potential of humanity.
Age guidance 7+
2.00pm – 2.45pm: practical Kathakali workshop
2.45pm – 3.00pm: costuming for the performance
3.00pm – 3.05pm: introduction
3.05pm – 4.00pm: solo performance
4.00pm – 5.00pm: refreshments served
“A breath-taking blend of theatre, dance, drama, stunning costumes, beautiful makeup, and storytelling”.
“This deeply moving and memorial performance left a lasting impact on everyone present”.
“I have never seen Kathakali performed like this before”.
‘If it is possible to be simultaneously exhilarated and humbled by art this was just such an occasion’- Hexham Courant, Peter Lewis
Accessibility
Dorchester Corn Exchange has wheelchair access and toilet facilities for wheelchair users. If you have any specific requirements, then please let us know when booking tickets and we are more than happy to help.
Our bar
The fully-licenced bar opens half an hour before each performance.
Booking information
Tickets can currently be purchased online or by telephone. The telephone line is manned between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday. At all other times please leave your name, telephone number and ticket requirements and we will call you back.
A £1 Future Fund levy is included in most ticket prices to support our work. This levy is included in the published ticket price. Concessionary prices (for events promoted by Dorchester Arts): where available, these are offered to under 18s, students, those in receipt of benefits and people on low income regardless of age.
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