Kutiyattam – Ancient living theatre tradition of India
Lecture Demonstration by Margi Madhu
Kutiyattam is the oldest living Sanskrit theatre tradition of India, with an unbroken performance history of over two millennia in the temple theatres (Koothambalams) of Kerala.
This lecture demonstration focuses on demystifying the art of acting by examining the unique chemistry of performance in Kutiyattam. In this tradition, acting lies in the precise execution of imagination through action — where textual reality is translated into theatrical space using the body as the primary medium. Through codified gesture, movement, and expression, epic characters are not merely represented but transformed into deeply human emotional experiences accessible to the audience.
A central focus of the session is the principle of body to mind, a core methodology in Indian classical performance traditions. In Kutiyattam, the actor first experiences and constructs the character physically, allowing psychological and emotional states to emerge organically from embodied technique. The demonstration will illustrate how this process unfolds, revealing the disciplined craft that underlies the profound power of classical acting.
About the Artist: Margi Madhu
Madhu A.K popularly known as Margi Madhu or Margi Madhu Chakyar is an Indian Kutiyattam exponent and teacher from Kerala. He received several awards including the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award in 2011 and Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for his contribution to Kutiyattam in 2022.
Date and Time:
28th Feb 2026
Saturday, 05:00pm – 07:00pm
Venue:
IME Museum,
JP Nagar 7th phase,
Bengaluru – 560078
Registration:
Click here