NEW SOLO PERFORMANCE FOR KATHAKALI

05th March 2026

NEW SOLO PERFORMANCE FOR KATHAKALI 

A new solo performance for Kathakali has been created, and performed, by highly talented and experienced Kathakali actor, Kalamandalam Vijayakumar. 

REACTION TO VIOLENCE

Reflecting on the horrific massacre of innocent men in Kashmire last year, Kalamandalam Vijayakumar was so moved that he created this new work, as a tribute to the victims of this unimaginable violence. 

The story follows the emotions of a young woman, from her wedding day, her honeymoon and the tragic death of her husband.

The new work illustrates the pain and suffereing of the victims of violence. One of the survivors of this brutal murder, requested that this story is performed to as many people as possible, to bring home the terrible life long suffereing of the people left behind. 

MORE ACCESSIBLE

Kalamandalam Vijayakumar wanted to make Kathakakli accessible to more people, so he decided to adapt the unforgettable melodies of G Devarajan, and the meaningful poetry of Valayar and P Bhaskaran, into classical Kathakali. It took many months to find the songs that were appropriate for Kathakali padams, and to adopt them into a new story.

KATHAKALI HISTORY IS MADE

This innovative step has never been done before in the history of Kathakali, and created an immediate connection to this remarkable art form for the audience. 

The new work is called "One more smile" capturing the last moments of the woman as she holds her husband in her arms, before she sinks to the floor in total grief and shock. This clearly shows that Kathakali can take on the deep emotions of events that are happening right now. 

This story also indicates that Kathakali is a living artform that is alive, receptive and reflects on it`s original purpose - to higlight how communities can live a better life, with more compassion and kindness.  

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