Kathakali Workshops

EDUCATION

We provide specially designed workshops and performances suitable for all ages and abilities form primary to university level of education that encompass our aims – to make Kathakali and the culture of South India accessible and enjoyable for all ages, backgrounds and abilities.

KATHAKALI has mastered the art of visual storytelling for over 500 years and provides an excellent opportunity to experience non-western theatre & culture.

We work regionally, nationally and internationally to establish a greater understanding of Kathakali, and the ancient culture from which it evolved for the benefit of communities throughout the UK and world-wide.

THE WORKSHOP LEADERS:

KALAMANDALAM VIJAYAKUMAR

Kalamandalam Vijayakumar born in Kerala, South India, trained at the world famous Kerala Kalamandalam, is an outstanding actor, experienced teacher and the leading Kathakali specialist in the UK.

KALAMANDALAM BARBARA VIJAYAKUMAR

Kalamandalam Barbara Vijayakumar is a Kathakali make up specialist, visual artist and the workshop co-ordinator, trained at Rochdale College of Art, Winchester School of Art and the Kerala Kalamandalam graduating as the first female Kathakali make up artist in the world.

Barbara provides the link between Asian and non-Asian culture and is responsible for the structure of the workshops.

WHAT PEOPLE SAY:

"It was a really enjoyable experience, very beneficial for the children to have out of school visitors, especially a male role model! Ringwood Junior School, Hampshire.

Thanks so much for a wonderful day. The students thoroughly enjoyed it and I hope we can book you again next year. We thought that Barbara and Vijayakumar were encouraging, supportive and had high expectations of our students – thank you". Ellie Mockler – Downlands Community School, Hassocks, Sussex.

"I particularly enjoyed learning about such a different form of theatre, and thinking about how we could incorporate the techniques involved whilst always being respectful of cultural identity. As an art-form it opened my eyes to the intense work and commitment needed to be a Kathakali Actor/Make-up artist". Nick – Rose Bruford College, Sidcup, Kent.

Theatre in education – Workshop – performance packages.

Basic introduction to Kathakali.

1 x 1 hour practical workshop session.

A drama based practical workshop exploring the skills of a Kathakali actor to include

Body exercises.
Characters
An ancient 4,000 year old sign language called Mudras used to tell the story
Facial expression
Body co-ordination

1 x 1.30 minute afternoon presentation to include:

Interactive talk illustrated with pictures to explore the social background to Kathakali.
Demonstration of the key gestures in the story to be seen
Break
Solo Kathakali performance featuring the Kathakali female character

The basic package offers a general introduction to Asian theatre, Hinduism, an opportunity to experience non-western drama, encourage children and young people to focus and concentrate, increase awareness of non-western storytelling and engage the imagination.

DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS:

We offer workshops that develop Kathakali into:

Creative make up and characters
Abstract performance art – masks, costumes, performance.
Ritual and heritage

WE WORK WITH:

People with 6 years and over to university level of education, community groups, families, students, professional practioners, people with learning difficulties and multiple disabilities who respond well to visual learning.

UNDERSTANDING KATHAKALI:

To increase access, understanding and enjoyment of Kathakali Kalamandalam Vijayakumar is offering classes in the Mudras - sign language used to the story - via skype - if you wold like to learn please contact us.

An interactive Dictionary of Kathakali Mudras is for sale - contact us.

We have over 30 years experience of working in schools and the community.

All projects are specially designed to suit your needs.

FOR SALE

Books - various.

DVD's

THE HISTORY OF THE MUDRAS

A documentary style DVD that traces the evolution of the Mudras[sign language] from pre history, into the temples and finally into the arts.

A DICTIONARY OF THE KATHAKALI SIGN LANGUAGE:

First in the world - An interactive DVD [to be used only on a PC] will enable you to learn the complete sign language used in Kathakali.

TALKING HANDS:

First in the world - An interactive DVD [to be used on a PC] explores how the ancient sign language of the classical arts of India has been adapted into the English alphabet and language incorporating over 2,000 words. Ideal for teaching or learning English as a foreign language, or for people who learn visually.

A GATEWAY TO KATHAKALI.

An ideal short introduction to Kathakali, the history and how to understand a Kathakali play.

for etails please contact us.

Kalamandalam Barbara Vijayakumar

1 Holland Rd, Woolston,

SOUTHAMPTON
ENGLAND

SO19 9FW. UK

Tel: +44 (0)23 8042 0114

Mobile: + 44 [0]7740123070

Email: info@kathakali.net