Title

Entering the world of Kathakali – to experience new approaches to learning and teaching.

Workshop description

An immersive workshop led by Kathakali artists to learn the key conventions of this dance theatre form, followed up by application sessions to reflect on work and plan how to use Kathakali in your own practice or classroom. Attendance of live performances will enrich understanding of the theatre tradition and its culture.

Target audience

Middle school and high school theatre teachers. Perfect for IB DP Theatre teachers!

Learning outcomes

Teachers will leave this workshop with first hand practical experience of Kathakali set in its wider cultural context. With activities geared to taking Kathakali back into your classroom you will be able to work with students in a confident and knowledgeable way; introducing new units of work and activities to enrich this ‘world tradition’ aspect of your theatre classroom.

About your workshop leader

I am a drama specialist and dancer who has worked as a teacher, teacher trainer, director, choreographer and performer. I studied Drama and Theatre in Education for my undergraduate and masters degrees. Over the years my work has taken me to Istanbul, Sao Paulo, Cairo, Mumbai, Portugal and Hong Kong. Now I am a freelance artist based in the United Kingdom.

I have been learning Kathakali since 2004 and have always trained with Kathakali masters in India. I started my training with Mr Keshevan Kalamandalam at Vijnanakalavedi in Aranmula, Kerala, where I learnt the mudras, navarasas and basic kalsadhakam of talas and kalashams. I continued my training at the Kerala Kathakali Centre, Cochin, under the guidance of Vijayan Warrier Sadanam, where I still train. My first performance in 2015 was as Krishna at Gopalakrishna temple, Amaravathy, Fort Cochin, Kerala. In 2017 and 2018 I performed as Kichaka, in a section from the Mahabharata, in performance presentations in Atlanta and Australia. I have run training and master classes for teachers and students in Australasia, North America, Europe and Asia.

I started off as a musician and dancer and have been in jazz bands and contemporary dance companies internationally. Since 2008 I have been learning Kathakali (dance theatre from southern India). I have initiated theatre programmes in schools around Istanbul, remote parts of Ethiopia and in Dharavi, the largest slum in Asia.

I have worked for ISTA since 1999 and was on the board of trustees for six years. During that time I hosted many festivals and while on staff I have Repped, worked as an AD, TWL, run master classes and run many AiRs. I have worked for the IB since 2002.