Kerala Kalamandalam

Kerala Kalamandalam was founded in 1930 by the renowned poet Vallathol Narayan Menon with a noble intention of the development of audio-visual arts of Kerala. It was assisted by his close associate,Manakkulam Mukunda Raja,with the active cooperation of Kakkadu Karanavar. The Kerala Kalamandalam is situated at Cheruthuruthy,on the banks of the river Nila also known as Bharatha Puzha.

The institution,since its beginning has followed the traditional way of training – Gurukula. This traditional way of education calls for a deep bond between the teacher and the student. Kerala Kalamandalam is strictly a residential centre of learning. The classes start as early as 4.30 in the morning. The class rooms are designed in a very traditional style on the banks of the river Nila.

The Kathakali, Koodiyattam, Mohiniyaattam and Thullal troupes of Kalamandalam have travelled widely in India and abroad for programmes, lecture demonstrations and workshops. The artists from Kalamandalam have represented India in many international and theatre festivals.

Kerala Kalamandalam has been functioning as a grant-in-aid institution since 1975 and since then this temple of arts has been offering formal academic diploma and post diploma courses in performing arts of Kerala.

The historical turn in the functioning of this institution came when Kerala Kalamandalam was declared as a Deemed University for Art and Culture Government of Kerala,in the year of 2007.

Kerala Kalamandalam ,is affiliated to many national and international schools. Students from the Hunter College,New York,The Ross School, New Hampton,New York are arriving at Kalamandalam for training in Mohiniyattom and precussion music. Many Universities and colleges in Germany,Finland,UK etc send students to Kalamandalam and also receive students from Kalamandalam  as a part of the exchange programme.

Contact

Kerala Kalamandalam
Deemed University for Art and Culture
Cheruthuruthy – 679 531 via Thrissur, Kerala, India
Telephone: 91+ 4884 262418, 262526

Related posts:

1. Vallathol Museum
2. Theatre workshop Naadaka Kalari at Maharaja’s College