Kalamandalam Barbara Vijayakumar

🪔 About

Kalamandalam Barbara Vijayakumar is a pioneering figure in the world of Indian classical dance, renowned as the world's first female and non-Indian Kathakali make-up (chutti) artist. Hailing from Rochdale in the UK, Barbara's journey into Kathakali began serendipitously in 1972 when, while traveling overland to Australia, she accidentally discovered the art form in Southern India after getting off a train at the wrong stop. Captivated by what she saw, she began her formal training in *chutti* at the prestigious Kerala Kalamandalam in 1974, under the tutelage of the great master Govinda Warrior Ashan. Upon graduating in 1976, Barbara made history as the first female and non-Indian to master the intricate art of Kathakali make-up. Her dedication also led her to become the longest practicing *chutti* artist globally, and the first female Kathakali costumer and costume maker. In 1987, she co-founded the Kala Chethena Kathakali Company in the UK with her husband, Kalamandalam Vijayakumar, a distinguished Kathakali actor. The company's mission is to make Kathakali accessible, understandable, and enjoyable to diverse audiences across the UK and internationally. Through their efforts, the company has presented over 5,000 shows, 3,500 workshops, 3,000 solo performances, and 23 exhibitions, reaching nearly half a million people in the UK alone and touring extensively across Europe, North America, and Australia. Barbara has applied *chutti* for many leading Kathakali artists, including Padmasree Kalamandalam Gopi. Beyond her artistic contributions, she is also recognized for her roles as a tour manager, business manager, teacher, writer, and public speaker. She also founded her own company, Centre Ocean Stream, which explored "living sculpture" using *chutti*.