In Kathakali the emphasis is on the dramatic elaboration of relatively simple intrigues. Unlike any other Shakespearean tragedy, King Lear is made up of two parallel intrigues, that of Lear and his three daughters and that of Gloucester and his two sons. By suppressing the Gloucester material, the Lear story stands out in its powerful simplicity. This plot corresponds precisely to the theatrical criteria of Kathakali, both in its length and in the number of characters involved.

Scene 1. King Lear Divides His Kingdom


Scene 2. The Departure of Cordelia and France


Scene 3. At Goneril's Palace



Scene 4. At Regan's Palace


Scene 5. The Storm


Scene 6. The Return of Cordelia and France


Scene 7. The Reconciliation of Lear and Cordelia.


Scene 8. The Battle



Scene 9. The Death of Lear



Premiered in 1989, Kathakali-King Lear, directed by Annette Leday and David McRuvie, was performed in prestigious venues throughout the world for over a decade. The last series of performances took place at the Globe Theatre in London from 6 to 17 July 1999. Since its creation, Kathakali-King Lear has become a reference in the field of intercultural performance. It was the object of enthusiasm and passionate polemics, as well as of numerous academic studies. (Diane Daugherty, “The Pendulum of Intercultural Performance: ‘Kathakali King Lear’ at Shakespeare’s Globe,” Asian Theatre Journal 22, no. 1 (April 1, 2005). Prof Phillip Zarilli, “For Whom Is the King a King? Issues of Intercultural Production, Perception, and Reception in a Kathakali King Lear” "The Critical Theory and Performance" of University of Michigan).

Alliance Française de Bombay
Established in Mumbai since 1938, the Alliance Française de Bombay has evolved in sync with the geographical and cultural expansion of the city. It has opened, in the last few years no less than nine centres for its language courses in different locations of the ‘Maximum City’, catering more than 4000 students each year. Its head quarters have remained in south Mumbai, the historical and administrative heart of the city, but its classes have spread all over the city. Collaborating closely with the other prestigious cultural centers, the Alliance Française seeks to promote cultural exchanges between France and India, to initiate a dialogue of ideas and debates through contemporary creation that is accessible to all. Thanks to its diverse activities, the Alliance Française is the gateway to Europe and all French speaking countries and their cultures. The Alliance Française de Bombay is composed of a cultural department and an academic department. The Executive Director, Frédéric Simon, is in charge of the cultural events in addition to administrative responsibilities. He oversees the cultural programs, the organization of events as well as private partnerships. The Academic Director, Laurent Elisio Bordier, is in charge of the education department which organizes FFL (French as a Foreign Language) studies and program development for teachers, general public and private companies. It is also under his responsibility that all certified examinations are organized.
Royal Opera House, Mumbai
Royal Opera House, Mumbai is widely touted as Mumbai’s Cultural Crown Jewel and India’s only surviving Opera House. The original idea for the space was conceived of in 1908, inaugurated in 1911 by King George V, and eventually completed in 1916. The design incorporated a blend of European and Indian detailing. The space became a cinema in later years before falling into disrepair and shutting by the 1990s. Fittingly, the space has been owned by the Royal Family of Gondal since 1952 and was eventually restored by conservation architect, Abha Narain Lambah under the leadership of His Highness, Maharaja Shri Jyotendrasinhji of Gondal. The Royal Opera House Mumbai, now one of the last remaining Baroque structures in the city, reopened after 23 years in October 2016. The building was included on the 2012 World Monuments Watch to raise awareness about its history and significance, and support preservation efforts. The building has since been recognized with an Award of Merit in the 2017 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation. The restored facilities feature a 575-seater 3-level auditorium with an orchestra pit and state of the art technological upgradations, including acoustics, stagecraft, lighting and air-conditioning, alongside retaining the old world charm of the proscenium stage, the royal boxes and the magnificent regal chandeliers. Some more enhancements to the venue include a motorized screen, co-axial ceiling speaker system, Four-zone volume control and all round wifi access. Today, it stands as a key performance and creative hub in the city’s cultural landscape, while being a premier heritage landmark. Facebook: MumbaiOpera Twitter: @MumbaiOpera Instagram: @mumbaiopera
Avid Learning
Avid Learning, a public programming platform and cultural arm of the Essar Group, has conducted over 950 programs and connected with more than 100,000 individuals since its inception in 2009. Driven by the belief that Learning Never Stops, AVID’s multiple formats like Workshops, Panel Discussions, Gallery Walkthroughs, and Festival Platforms create a dynamic and interactive atmosphere that stimulates intellectual and creative growth across the fields of Culture & Heritage, Literature, Art and Innovation.
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