Kathakali: An Exhibition at Redbridge Central Library

This exhibition explores the world of Kathakali, the male classical dance drama from Kerala, South India. Kathakali (meaning ‘story-play’) was developed to make ancient Hindu religious stories accessible to ordinary people, and on display in this exhibition are a range of stunning costumes, loaned by Kala Chethena Kathakali Company, whose designs have changed little in 500 years. Through film, photography and music, visitors will enter a world of sacred theatre that continues to thrive in the 21st century. The exhibition is part of a project created by Kathakali experts Kalamandalam Barbara Vijayakumar and Kalamandalam Vijayakumar, who, in working with different community groups in Redbridge, have led imaginative workshops and performances and made a new film to uncover some of the skills involved in Kathakali. The exhibition also features a new Kathakali-inspired costume made by Wanstead High School, and a short film by Redbridge ASNET about people of Keralan origin living in Redbridge today.