This famous dance-drama is based on the story of a terrible war of succession between two families of ancient India, the Kauravas and the Pandavas. It is produced by the world-renowned Kerala Kalamandalam Dance Company of 17 dancers, singers, actors, drummers, and make-up artists.

The two-hour Kathakali program uses episodes from the The Mahabharata, the longest poem in the world and a treasure-house of the religious and philosophic thought of India – the dice game at which a wife is staked and lost, the public disrobing of Draupadi, the joint wife of the 5 Pandava brothers, Lord Krishna’s exhortations to the faltering Arjuna to fight, the awesome Kurukshetra battle, with Bhima ripping open Dushasana and drinking his blood and washing Draupadi’s hair in that blood.

Krishna’s sermon on selfless action - The Bhagvat Geeta - is the heart of the poem. It also sets out the Indian concept of Dharma – an ideal of how life should be lived according to one’s nature, position, time and place.

Kathakali depends for its powerful artistic impact on very elaborate and spectacular costumes and make-up.

BKGS: Ticketmaster 1300 136 166 www.ticketmaster.com.au

BKGS: Seymour Centre: 9351 7940 www.seymour.usyd.edu.au

Tickets: $25 - $70