What People Say
Performance Comments
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...
12th October - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - Croscombe 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 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 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 – 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
.............................................