The first Artspree event of the 2014-15 season brings back the highly successful Kathakali dance with celebrated Indian dancer Kalamandalam Shanmukhan and a lecture by Indian scholar Viswanath Kaladharan.

It will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, in the Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall in the Fine Arts Building at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

The artspree event is $15 general admission and $10 for student admission.

For more information contact 501.569.3294 or email music@ualr.edu.

A classical dance-drama tradition dating back to the 17th century, Kathakali of Kerala (India) is now one of the most widely known art forms in India.

Part dance form, part pantomime, and part theatrical tradition, Kathakali is a performance art encompasses dancing, acting, vocal music, percussion, intriguing make-up, fantastic costumes and a riot of colors.

In full make-up and costume, professional dancer Shanmukhan will present selected scenes from some of the key Kathakali-based plays. Prior to the performance of each scene, lecturer Kaladharan will provide context and explain some of the hand gestures for audience members.

Artspree is funded in part by the UALR Chancellor’s Circle Foundation and KLRE Classical 90.5.

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