KALLARIPAYATTU WORKSHOP
February 10, 2010 • Details • Map

Kalaripayattu is an ancient martial art originating from Kerala, South India and it is possibly one of the oldest fighting systems in existence. In addition to India it is practiced in Malaysia and Sri Lanka. The basic form includes stikes, kicks and grappling while the advanced form has weaponry, hand-to-hand combat and healing techniques. Some of the choreographed sparring of kalari payat can be applied to dance -- in particular Kathakali -- and some traditional Indian dance schools incorporate it into their training systems.

Instructor

Since 1978 master practitioner, professor Philip Zarilli has been developing kalari payat as a contemporary actor training process. The training introduces performers to a psychophysical paradigm that awakens actors to the ‘bodymind’ in performance. Gulgun Kayim trained in the form with Philip Zarilli and is teaching an introduction to Kallaripayattu to the actors in Theatre Novi Most as part of their investigation into ancient physicalities.  With director Lisa Channer, they are building an original performance based on the epic of Gilgamesh, in part inspired by the movements in this ancient Indian movement form.

More Information

Read Kalarippayattu: body, breath, activation, performance
by Phillip Zarrilli

University of Exeter School of Drama http://spa.exeter.ac.uk/drama/staff/kalari/zarrilli.html

Government of Kerela’s website
http://prd.kerala.gov.in/kalarippayatu.htm