KATHAKALI MAKES HISTORY

24th May 2026

A POWERFUL NEW STORY FOR KATHAKALI. 

Kathakali in Dorchester and Liverpool.

Two incredible communities give Kathakali an unforgettable welcome.

In Liverpool, the home of The Beatles, it was impossible to forget how they changed the world through their music and a message of peace and non-violence. 

Kathakali makes history.

When Kalamandalam Vijayakumar made the decission to adapt the unforgettable melodies of the legend G Devarajan Master, the superb poetry of Vayalar, and P Bhaskaran Master, into classical Kathakali, a new door opened.

Beautifully sang by Sadanam Jyothish Babu, Chenda Sadanam Ramakrishnan, and Madalam Kalamandalam by Aneesh. 

This powerful and emotional play reflects the tragic murder of innocent men in Kashmir last year, how a young woman, just married, and enjoying her honeymoon, had to whitnesses the horror of her husband being shot in front of her. The unimaginable pain of all the victims is held in the depth of this Kathakali story.  

Peace

Created, and performed, by Kathakali actor, Kalamandalam Vijayakumar, the saddness that this woman endured is a powerful reminder that violence, of any kind, has no place in a caring society.   

What happened in Liverpool and Dorchester was astounding. The audiences were spellbound, including the children, who sat totally focused for the 50 minute solo performance, many were crying, with emotion at what they had experienced. 

This very moving event, promoted by the Liverpool Malayali Hindu Samajam, and Dorchester Arts, was unforgettable and placed Kathakali deep into it`s ancient storytelling tradition that highlights the eternal battle between good and evil.  

Kathakali returns to the UK - Autumn 2026.

Please visit our Events dates for details of our performances with our full Kathakali Company. 

Tour & Event Dates: The Kala Chethena Kathakali Company

Kalamandalam Vijayakumar. 

Comments:

“It was one of a kind experience. We really enjoyed every second. Thank you for the opportunity to witness the performance. “ Dhanyor.  

“It was really fabulous. Great creativity. And it was handled very sensitively. Good way to popularise Kathakali amongst the masses. Also the message is universal”. Dilip.

“It was an emotional heart-trembling performance. My children really enjoyed it. They didn`t even move from their seats until it had finished. Thank you very much. Really appreciated”. Shan Rajappam.

“It was an  awesome performance. Really enjoyed.” Aswathy Rajan. 

“Today`s performance was `amazing`. Really enjoyed. The theme, presentation, performance was awesome. I was really fortunate to see this programme. Thak you so much”. Arun S.

“It was a heart-touching performance. The songs were nostalgic and the performance was amazing. Touched my heart.” Rajesh Nair.

“It was a really fantastic experience to watch Onnu Chirikku Onikkal Koodi in the UK”. Reeshma Sugunnan