Two great storytelling nations are to unite for a rare and unique event celebrating the customs, history and tradition of Celtic and Asian storytelling.

The Kala Chethena Kathakali Company, the Asian equivalent of the Royal Shakespeare Company or the Royal Ballet Company, will be bringing their performances and their culture into the heart of communities throughout Scotland. The Company has invited high respected Celtic Storyteller, Seoras MacPherson to join the tour to tell stories from the Celtic tradition.

KATHAKALI originated in the temples of Kerala, South India, over 500 years ago and escorts the audience into the entrancing world of legends. Characters are transported through time by the elaborate costumes, make-up and dance, from the pages of the great epic story - the Mahabharatha, into the villages and towns of this country to tell their tale.

The company has toured throughout the country for many years, although the idea for a festival celebrating both Asian and Celtic storytelling came about recently, when company founder Kalamandalam Barbara Vijayakumar noticed the link between these two cultures during a tour of Scotland. “I discovered astonishing similarities between the ancient story-telling traditions of Asian and Celtic peoples in spite of the physical distance between them, traditions which are embedded in thousands of years of culture and history. Both used sacred stones as an early form of communication. There was a high regard for women in both cultures, and stories based in both fact and fiction were passed down through families with the basic symbolism unchanged. Each also relied on the support of kings, and when this support was lost both went into decline until their recent revivals. Just as ever more Celtic people are rediscovering their culture, we hope to enhance awareness of Asian tradition and show the connections between us.”

For these special performances, the Company will be joined by Seoras MacPherson. Born in Greenock and raised in Ardnamurchan, his stories come from family traditions passed down through many generations in Skye and Argyll. He has performed all over the world and is renowned for his excellence.

www.kathakali.net

TOUR SCHEDULE

Mon 9th October Glendaruel Village Hall, Argyll 01369 820267

Tues 10th October Lochgoilhead Village Hall, Argyll 07736 648510

Weds 11th October Scottish Mask & Puppet Centre, Glasgow 0141 339 6185

Thurs 12th October Ardrishaig Public Hall, Archonnel, Argyll 01866 844271

Fri 13th October Craignish Village Hall, Ardfern, Argyll 01852 500689