Friends of the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies invites you to a talk on
Embodied Devotion–The Interplay of Religion and Performance in Kathakali Tradition
with Dr Janaki Nair
Date: Saturday 6 September 2025 at 5.00 PM
Venue: Glenfield Memorial Hall, 35 Stamford ST, Glenfield, Leicester LE3 8DL
Kathakali, the classical dance-drama of Kerala, India, is not merely an art form but a deeply spiritual practice that merges religious narrative, ritual, and performative expression. This talk explores the intricate relationship between religion and performance in Kathakali, examining how the tradition serves as both a medium of devotional expression and a mode of cultural transmission. By investigating the historical roots, ritualistic aspects, and mythological content of Kathakali, this talk highlights the spiritual dimensions embedded in its aesthetics, training, and enactment.
Dr Janaki Nair is a visual anthropologist and a performer, who through her research, explored
possibilities of making ethnographic films to create cultural and artistic memories. In her research, she continues to explore the concept of embodying and aligning psychophysical practices, concepts and methodologies. She is currently working as the Deputy Head at East 15 Acting School, University of Essex and is also affiliated with the Sakta Traditions research project at the OCHS. She is a Kathakali performer who specialises in performing male characters and has won Kerala State Best Actress Award, 2015 for her acting in a film. Dr Nair is elected as a Fellow of Royal Society of Arts, London in 2017 and has received Selma Cohen Lecture Award from Fulbright Association, USA in 2022.
The talk is FREE and ALL ARE WELCOME!
