"The World of Kathakali," a performance of Kathakali, a traditional dance performance that became popular around the 17th century in Kerala in southern India, and Pava ("dolls") Kathakali, a puppet-show version of Kathakali developed in the 18th century, will be held Nov. 7-8 at Asahi Square A in Asakusa.
This will mark the first time Pava Kathakali has been performed in Japan and the first attempt at combining the two forms of theater anywhere, ever.
The first part of the program will be a lecture demonstration of Kathakali by Gopalan Nair Venu from the group Natanakairali and the second part will feature a Pava Kathakali performance of "Mahabharata." Both performances are subtitled in Japanese.
Kathakali actors use detailed facial expressions and elaborate movement of the fingers, wearing richly colored costumes. Pava Kathakali, in contrast, is more intense and dynamic in nature. This form of theater was on the verge of extinction until the Indian government came to its rescue in the 1980s with subsidies and sponsorship, leading to a revival.
An additional lecture demonstration will be held at Studio Carol in Setagaya Nov. 5.
The show will tour the area to Plela Hall in Nishinomiya, Hyogo Pref., Oct. 29; Tamagawa University in Machida, Tokyo, Nov. 1; and Hitachi Civic Center in Ibaraki Nov. 3.
For more information, call the Foundation Modern Puppet Center at (044) 777-2228 or fax (044) 777-3570.