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The
cradle of Kathakali training in
India, Kerala Kalamandalam is located on the banks of Kerala's longest
river, the Bharathapuzha in Cheruthuruthy. The state's flagship training
school for Kathakali dance drama and
other indigenous performing arts of Kerala, Kalamandalam was founded in 1927
AD by the revered poet Vallathol.
Kalamandalam is undoubtedly the best institution in India imparting
training and conducting performance of Kathakali,
Mohiniyattam, Panchavadyam and
Thullal. Beside the regular courses,
Kalamandalam also offers crash courses in different art disciplines.
One of the most revered places for the traditional art forms of Kerala,
Kalamandalam has preserved and propagated Kathakali,
the classical dance-drama of Kerala, for the past 78 years. Kalamandalam is
credited with the revival of Kathakali
at a time when the great art form was under the threat of extinction.
At first patronized by the Raja of Cochin, the school has been funded by
both state and national governments and has been instrumental in the
large-scale revival of interest in Kathakali,
and other unique Kerala art forms. The Kalamandalam and its surroundings
reflect the simple, pure and ethnic atmosphere in which these arts have
survived for centuries.
Over the years, following the ancient 'gurukul' system of education, this
unique institution has imparted training in
Kathakali,
Mohiniyattom,
Kootiyattam, Panchvadyam,
Thullal etc.
It has been the alma mater of some of the most famous artistes in this
field, as many of the internationally renowned artistes of Kerala and India
have been trained here.
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