Kathakali

East Hampshire: get ready to celebrate the incredible arts and culture of Kerala, South India!

The renowned Kala Chethena Kathakali Company, from Kerala, South India, is delighted to return to The Phoenix Theatre & Arts Centre on Saturday 7th November 2026 with a different story depicting how arrogance, selfish attitudes and cruelty are eventually overcome by kindness and forgiveness.

The enthusiastic response Kathakali received at The Phoenix and Whitehill Village Hall in 2024 was overwhelming and made a deep impression on the artists who are looking forward to coming back.

Kathakali is the classical dance drama of Kerala, south India and combines storytelling, dance, drama, ritual, vibrant costumes, and an intricate makeup, featured in the Guinness Book of Records as the most three dimensional make up in the world.

Presented by Kathakali experts, who have undergone years of intense training and have performed internationally for decades, the tour focuses on making Kathakali as accessible and enjoyable to as many people as possible including children, families, and students, both from Asian and non-Asian communities.

The performance offers a rare opportunity to see Kathakali in this country, view the makeup, see the costumes, meet the artists, and ask questions.

A short pre-show demonstration illustrates how a Kathakali actor tells a story through emotions, facial expressions, characters, and gestures. A short film will take the audience back in time when Kathakali first emerged 600 years ago and highlight the story to be seen. 
The performance exposes daily life to include love, devotion, families, rejection, arrogance, pride, loss, aggression, global warming, equality, and abuse.  

Gather your loved ones and discover the captivating performing arts of Kerala! 

Be sure to book well in advance as these limited-time-only shows are known to sell out!

Photo credit: Mark Bennett