Kerala’s Kathakali and Koodiyattam Festival to soak in National Day ethos
DUBAI: Celebrating the ancient and highly structured classical performing arts from the South Indian state of Kerala, the 12th edition of Utsavam 2017 — International Kathakali & Koodiyattam Festival (IKKF) will be held in Dubai this weekend coinciding with the UAE National Day celebrations. Entry is free to the event.
Under the aegis of the Consulate General of India in Dubai, the prestigious indigenous art forms of Kerala will be staged from November 30 to December 2, 2018 at HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein Theatre, Gems Wellington High School, sheikhzayed road, org anise rs said.
Over a decade ago, a group of art lovers passionate about Kerala’s classical ine arts came together with the intent of presenting them to enthusiasts in th eu ae. That was the start of the International Koodiyattom and Kathakali Festival (IKKF) in Dubai to showcase Koodiyattam, a 2,000-year-old theatre oficially recognised by Unesco as a masterpiece of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity, and Kathakali, the vibrant ballet-like dance drama noted for its dramatic make-up, elaborate costumes and detailed gestures.
Thanks to the unwavering commitment of the volunteers, the encouragement of enthusiastic spectators, and the support of sponsors and patrons, the festival has grown in scale and magnificence over the years. Acclaimed artists such as Padmabhushan Kalamandalam Ramankutty Nair, Padmashree Kalamandalam Gopi, universally acknowledged as doyens of the dance form, have graced the festival with their performances in the past.
This year, the Kathakali acts have been chosen with the intent of representing the golden age of the art form from the 17th to the early 19th century. Each of these plays are very distinct, emphasising a different sensibility of Kathakali.