What People Say
WELCOME
Our performances are presented by world class artists from Kerala and we endeavour to make our audiences feel welcome and valued. Your comments are very helpful.
THESE ARE YOUR COMMENTS
1st MARCH 2026
BRISTOL.
"An extraordinary Kathakali performance by Kalamandalam Vijayakumar was presented at SreeRaagam – Season 3, the Festival of Indian Arts and Music, on 1 March 2026 in Bristol, United Kingdom organised by Adwaita Arts in Association with Hengrove Malayali Community - HMC supported by Arts Council England and the Kala Chethena Kathakali Company.
This deeply moving presentation was inspired by the real events following the horrific Pahalgam attack. The story, titled *“Onnu Chirikkoo Orikkal Koodi,”* was performed for the first time outside India.
The performance was enriched by the beautiful melodies of Malayalam poets P. Bhaskaran and Vayalar Ramavarma, set to music by renowned composer G. Devarajan.
Presented under the “Devaraga Padangal” segment, the story created powerful momentum and reflected a contemporary evolution in storytelling within Kathakali.
This remarkable 50-minute solo performance stands out as one of the most memorable Kathakali presentations in recent history.
The makeup for this performance was done by Kalamandalam Barbara Vijayakumar world’s first female Kathakali chutti (traditional makeup) artist from Kerala Kalamandalam
Kalamandalam Vijayakumar 's performance was truly extraordinary.
SreeRaagam Festival of Indian Arts & Music
Kalamandalam Vijayakumar.
8th MARCH 2026
RESPONSE from a documentary film about Kathakali chutti [makeup] artist, Kalamandalam Barbara Vijayakumar and Kathakali actor, Kalamandalam Vijayakumar.
A Story of a Destiny from a Previous Birth
In the endless cycle of time, the journey undertaken by souls is called rebirth in Indian philosophy. The body may change, language may change, and lands may change; yet the deep impressions dissolved within the soul never fade. It was this very “Mr Magic”—the invisible hand of the Cosmic Lord—that led Barbara, a foreign woman, from the frost-covered streets of England to the sacred banks of Kerala’s rivers.
The Soul’s Thirst Across Lands
In Indian spirituality, desha (land) is not merely a place on a map; it is a karma-bhumi, a field of destiny. When Barbara set out on her journey at the age of nineteen in the 1970s, it was not merely a transcontinental trip. Somewhere in the depths of her being, a soul was searching for a sacred place it had once abandoned many lifetimes ago.
After passing through France, Turkey, and Afghanistan, the moment she stepped onto the soil of India, she felt a profound realization—that she had returned home. As Swami Vivekananda once said, for some foreigners India may be a tourist destination, but for seekers it is a tapasya, a spiritual quest. The doorway that opened for her at Shoranur station was not merely an entrance into art; it was also a path toward liberation.
The Meditation Within Kathakali
In Kathakali, the chutti is not merely makeup; it is a preparation for witnessing the cosmic form. In that transformative act—where a human being becomes divine on stage—Barbara discovered her meditation.
Her bond with the master, Guru Govindavariyar Aashan, was one of wordless communion. As the Upanishads proclaim, true spiritual knowledge is not transmitted through words, but through presence. The relationship between the disciple who knew no Malayalam and the guru who knew no English affirmed a profound truth: the soul has no language. In every thread of the chutti, she wove her devotion and surrender.
A Union Beyond Marriage
The union between Kalamandalam Vijayakumar and Barbara was not merely a marriage; it was a cosmic confluence of Prakriti and Purusha. While Prakriti (Barbara) blended colors behind the stage, Purusha (Vijayakumar) blossomed emotions upon it. According to Advaita philosophy, completeness arises when two states merge into one.
Through their Kathakali ensemble “Kalachethana” in London, they offered the world the spiritual beauty of India. Sitting behind the scenes, laboring silently to transform her husband into a divine presence on stage, Barbara became a Western embodiment of the devoted sahadharmini—the self-sacrificing companion celebrated in Indian thought.
The Message of Pahalgam
Life itself is a drama woven with joy and sorrow. When Vijayakumar saw the image of a newlywed bride weeping beside the lifeless body of her husband after the gunshots in Pahalgam, it shook him deeply. From that moment was born the performance “Smile Once Again.”
It was not merely a Kathakali piece, but the lament of humanity trembling before the great truth of death—and the strength of art that seeks to transcend it. As the song “Aayiram Paadasarangal” transformed into Kathakali gestures, worldly love evolved into a spiritual longing.
The Return of a Wandering Soul
Barbara’s return to this land was like a butterfly crossing oceans and recognizing the flower it had loved in a previous life. In the threads of the chutti, moved by the fingers of time—the great magician—she discovered her destiny.
When the silent meditation of the backstage merges with the emotion-filled movements of the stage, what appears there is not merely art. It is the solitary dance of love that continues beyond lifetimes. As snow and sunlight alternate through the seasons, the colors blooming through those fingertips whisper a timeless truth: The soul has no nation; it speaks only in the single mother tongue of love.
The Lesson of Their Lives
The life of Barbara and Vijayakumar teaches us a simple yet profound lesson: Indianness is not something granted by birth; it is something earned through culture. Through her threads of chutti and through his stage adornment, they reveal that art and spirituality are two sides of the same coin.
And even when this earthly journey comes to an end, the magical image preserved by time will remain— an image of love that never leaves the stage, and of bonds that endure across births. ✨
18th JANUARY 2026
Trissur Kathakali Club, Kerala.
"This legendary Kathakali creation deserves to reach audiences across the world. Born out of deep pain and empathy for the affected, this powerful performance stands as an artistic resistance to terrorism.
Through intense research and emotional commitment, the tragedy is transformed into a moving Kathakali narrative that speaks beyond words. Every expression reflects the suffering of the victims and reminds humanity of the silent wounds left behind by terror.
This is not just a performance—it is a call for awareness, unity, and peace. May this work inspire the global fight against terrorism and keep alive the voices of those who suffered."
9th JANUARY 2026
Paravoor, Kerala. G Devarajan museum.
"Today, I had the honour of attending a truly legendary Kathakali performance by Sri.Kalamandalalam Vijayakumar, at FAS Paravoor based on the tragic Pahalgam terrorist attack. This was not just a performance, but a deeply moving artistic documentation of pain, sacrifice, and humanity.
Sri.Kalamandalalam Vijayakumar shared that he could not sleep for four days after engaging with this subject, and that nearly one full year of intense research went into shaping this work. Drawing powerful songs composed by Sri. Devarajan Master, Sri. P. Bhaskaran and Sri.Vayalar and wove them into a powerful narrative. He carefully selected four songs and transformed them into a Kathakali narrative portraying the heartbreaking story of a young bride, whose life was shattered just six days after her marriage during Pahal Gham terrorist attack. The performance was emotionally intense and left a lasting impact on everyone present.
Heartfelt thanks for this deeply moving and memorable performance".
12th OCTOBER 2024
BORDON, HANTS.
The performance was such a success and I was so pleased for you all. I chatted to a lovely man from Reading who came to the U.K. from Kerala when he was 9. He was so pleased that his culture and history were being celebrated in this way and with such a diverse audience. He never thought that he would see it in this country.
You literally blossomed when you were talking about it and it was lovely to see.
The whole evening was amazing and it was such a lovely warm atmosphere.
Congratulations to each and every one of you and thank you so much for bringing this wonderful experience to Bordon.
Very best wishes
Lorraine
................................................................
7th OCTOBER 2024
BISHOP FOX`S SCHOOL, TAUNTON.
Thank you Barbara for your kindness, openness and patience. We are so pleased the performance and everything connected to it went well.
We enjoyed having the experience brought into our school and I am so happy that our students responded as they did. Such a cultural experience, one that some will never ever experience again.
Safe journey onto your next destination. It was a real pleasure to meet you all today. Thank you once again for I have taken lots personally from today.
With warm regards,
Lou - Bishop Fox`s School.
..................................................................
5th OCTOBER 2024
SALTFORD HALL, Nr BRISTOL
After almost a year of planning Kathakali came to Bristol on 5 October . That was my dream comes true - Kathakali is always in my heart and so much respect to these artists.
We have requested the " Dakshayaga " story to play in Bristol and the audience will never forget this moment. I don't have words to describe how beautiful the performance, was - just emotions.
On the sameday, three other programmes in Bristol - including a music programme by celebrity guest from India - I must say that our Kathakali attracted more people, including so many European & British Nationals.
The quality to Kathakali is the top of these programmes. It was a classic moment - never to be forgotten.
Everyone left the hall with beautiful memory, people thoroughly enjoyed.
Rajesh - Cosmopolitain Club, Bristol.
.....................................................................
21st , 27th & 29th SEPTEMBER 2024.
SOMERSET - TAKE ART
It’s been a pleasure having you down from my side, you’ve been a joy to work with. I’m very sorry I couldn’t get to any of the shows but the promoters have been glowing in their reviews.
Danny - Take Art
............................................................................
29th SEPTEMBER 2024.
CROSSCOMBE VILLAGE HALL, WELLS, SOMERSET
It was a truly brilliant evening. I'm only sorry I missed the make-up.
Beth Webb
It was amazing - My friends and I absolutely loved it!!
Angus Lavery
They were awesome ☺️
Philippa Levinson
It was extraordinary!
Wow how wonderful, so emotional, it deeply penetrated my soul.
I thought it was the best performance that Vijay has ever given.
All the actors related to each other so well and in a way no musicians and scenery greatly enhanced the drama of the actors. Thank you so much for bringing Kathakali to Somerset. When and where is your last performance because I would like to come to it with a friend? Good luck for the tour.
Caroline.
……………………………………………………………..
27th SEPTEMBER 2024
NORTH CURRY - TAUNTON - SOMERSET
I want to thank you, Vijaya and the performers for a very special evening last night. The setting, in North Curry church, was spectacular and memories of the moving shadows of the performers cast over the stone columns and arches will stay with me a long while. The music was superb and enhanced by better sound balance in the second half. Altogether a great occasion, and I can only hope that the rest of your touring continues in the same way.
Please pass on my regards to Vijaya and the performers …and here’s hoping that we’ll meet up again before too long.
Bob. - founder of Horse and Bamboo Theatre Company.
……………………………………………
A poem written by an 8-year-old boy.
When Kathakali came to North Curry.
When Kathakali from Kerala in South India came to North Curry - we got there in a hurry,
We were treated to an evening of delight,
With a different version of the story of Snow White,
There were funny clothes, make up and colours of red, green and gold,
Amazing facial expressions, hand signing and feet stomping so bold!
Enchanting music from bells, percussion and drums,
The performers made noises through shrieks and through hums,
When Kathakali came to North Curry it was such a delight - and we all had a spectacular night!
…………………………………………….
24th SEPTEMBER 2024
ABERYSTWYTH ARTS CENTRE - WALES
KATHAKALI performed at Aberystwyth Arts Centre on the 24th September 2024 as part of our World dance programme. 85 people attended the performance, some of who had experienced Kathakali before and some who had received recommendations.
The introduction to Kathakali and the demonstration of the facial expressions was of a great benefit to the performance and added to the audience’s enjoyment.
The performance was well received and was a joy to the senses. To have a performance of this nature in rural Wales was an enormous privilege. To quote an audience member from the evening - ‘The costumes, make up and artistry were incredible’.
Thanks – Delyth – Programmer for Aberystwyth Arts Centre.
.................................................
We wanted to express our heartfelt appreciation for the Kathakali performance at the art centre in Aberystwyth on September 24, 2024. It was truly exceptional, transporting us back to our hometown and allowing us to relive cherished memories.
The interactive session was a highlight, and the audience clearly enjoyed it. The program was well-coordinated, with Barbara engaging everyone and explaining the intricacies of the makeup and the heavy headpieces worn by the artists, which was quite eye-opening.
Kudos to Sir Kalamandalam Vijayakumar and the team for showcasing the classical dance of Kathakali on a global stage. As Malayalees, we felt proud and blessed to experience this divine art form. Thank you once again!
Aswathy (Ash) & Anna
………………………………..
21st SEPTEMBER 2024.
CASTLE CARY - SOMERSET
Our thoughts after the show last night in Castle Cary.
We would like to compliment the Kala Chethena Company for their spectacular performance of the Kathakali story - Hima Sundari at Castle Cary last night.
My wife and I have visited India 8 times since 1974 where we have seen Kathakali performed but our experience at Castle Cary was easily the best.
We now appreciate how the performing arts of Kerala have developed from sacred Hindu temple culture, and we also have a better understanding of the elaborate miming gestures and facial contortions which the actors use to convey a story.
The superb costumes, head dresses and dramatic make- up combined to create a totally unique and unforgettable emotional experience. Thank you.
Geoff and Elizabeth Corris
.............................................