On Friday I was privileged to see the Kala Chethena Kathakali Company prepare for their evening performance at Newport’s University. To go behind the scenes as the world’s foremost Indian dance drama company applied their elaborate make-up was amazing. ITV Wales were there to film the weather spot ‘live’ for the evening news so there was quite a buzz.
I took some photos of Ramachandran Unnithan as he went through the various stages of having his face made-up. Ramachandran specialises in playing villains and he certainly spooked me.
The performance at the University was the result of a visit to India by staff and students on the Religious Studies & Philosophy course in 2007. When they first encountered Kathakali in Kollam, southern Kerala, the group were so struck by the performance and elaborate costumes that the programme leader, Dr Lynn Foulston, was inspired to invite a Kathakali company to perform in Wales where the people of Newport could enjoy the spectacular display.
I’m pleased to say it was a full house. Full news of the event can be seen on the University’s website at: http://www3.newport.ac.uk/news/displayStory.aspx?story_id=338
The performance at the University was the result of a visit to India by staff and students on the Religious Studies & Philosophy course in 2007. When they first encountered Kathakali in Kollam, southern Kerala, the group were so struck by the performance and elaborate costumes that the programme leader, Dr Lynn Foulston, was inspired to invite a Kathakali company to perform in Wales where the people of Newport could enjoy the spectacular display.
I’m pleased to say it was a full house. Full news of the event can be seen on the University’s website at: http://www3.newport.ac.uk/news/displayStory.aspx?story_id=338
