On November 20, 2017, the India Initiative hosted the Kathakali Group, a world-renowned Indian dance troupe, for a performance in Gaston Hall. The Kathakali Group performed Narakasura Vadham, a Keezhupadam-style Kathakali dance that tells a story from Hindu mythology. Kathakali, which originated in the state of Kerala, is a traditional form of dance in which dancers act out the parts of different characters in a play.
In this performance, the troupe depicted the story of the death of Narakasura, a legendary Indian asura. Through their expressive movements and visual storytelling, the Kathakali Group highlighted the importance of art in India’s many cultures and traditions.
This event was co-sponsored by the Georgetown University India Initiative and the Embassy of India.