Keli kottu (drumming sound) announcing the commencement of Kathakali drama echoed not on the steps of the temple courtyard but in the lobby of the Broadway Theater in the city of New York on April 1st, 2005.The legends of Kathakali from Kalamandalam, Sadanam, Margi and Kottakal came together to form the nostalgic 'Masters Of Kathakali' troupe. The Masters of Kathakali troupe traveled 8000 miles from their home town in Kerala, India to perform in the cities of USA. This unique troupe performed in 28 cities spanning the entire USA in the months of April-May, 2005.

The troupe comprised of Sadnam Krishnan Kutty, Kottakal Chandra Sekhara Warrier, Kavungal Divakara Panicker, Margi Vijaya Kumar, Margi Raveendran, Kalamandalam Hyder Ali, K.S. Rajeevan, Kalamandalam Narayanan Nair ,Kalamandalam Raman Namboothiri, and Kalamandalam Satheesan.

What the Press says:

"Of the two generous Symphony Space Programs [Bharatanatyam recital by Priyadarsini Govind and 'Masters of Kathakali', the Kathakali Production], The Kathakali evening seemd the more authentic....The performers were terrific, particularly Sadanam Krishna Kutty as Hamsam, the swan..." John Rockwell, Art Critic, New York Times

"Hit and Myth, Masters of Kathakali pack house at center...the veritable all-star troupe handpicked from the cradle of Kathakali..." Brian Feagens, Reporter, Atlanta Journal Constituion

"The surprise was not how foreign it was, but how easy it was to get into its rhythm and spirit. Sure enough, the trappings and traditions of this all-male dance-drama transported us from a staid auditorium in Orange County to India's southwestern state of Kerala, where kathakali was born and is kept alive. ..." Laura Bleiberg , Art Reviewer, Orange County Register, California

"The pulsating energy, the delicate movements, the dazzling makeup and colorful costumes all went on to create a memorable evening of drama, music and mime for those present..." Kavita Chhibber, Freelance Writer, NRIPulse.com

" I always thought Kathakalli was supposed to be exhaustingly long, boring and serious. This performance changed all that. Realized that Kathakalli can also involve humor.... All in all, the performance changed my view of Kathakalli. Great show! ..." Ramu Kaladi, Freshman, Georgia State University

" Congratulations ! for arranging such a wonderful performance. My kids and most of my students enjoyed this so much. Ofcourse! me too. It was entirely a different exposure to an another Indian art form ...Great experience.." Sasikala Penumarthi, Kuchipudi dancer and teacher, Atlanta

"My husband and I absolutely LOVED the show. This was an invaluable cultural experience that I shall treasure..." Karen Robinson, Professor, Dept of Theatre and and Performance Studies, Kennesaw State University

"Thanks for working with us on this fantastic event. Hope this is the beginning of many more opportunities." Deepika Bahri, Director, Asian Studies, Emory University

"Did you see the review in the NY Times. It was a wonderful evening and the audience loved it! I hope we can continue to work together..." Robert Browning , Executive Director , World Music Institute, New York

"It was a sincere privilege to witness such a remarkable performance on Friday in NYC. My heart opened and my mind was transported into another realm... " Matt Kelly, Program Attendee, New York

"I am so glad that ICMDS was finally able to host such a wonderful and authentic Kathakali program. Thanks to .... for all their efforts to bring this troupe to the US... " Sarvamangala Tadepalli , President, ICMDS, Raleigh

"The program was terrific. My students were captivated by the performance...I've been trying to impress on them that not only did they see Kathakali, but they saw very, very good Kathakali. The best. Other faculty here at Rhodes stop me daily to tell me just how great the performance was.." David Mason, Professor, Dept of Theatre, Rhodes College

"The program was absolutely wonderful. Thank you so much for helping us organize the concert and for bringing this incredible dance genre to our university!" Natalie Sarrazin, Professor, Dept of Music, University Of Virginia

"More than 50% of our audiences were younger people, who have only seen the kathakali ‘icon’ in web pages and in the labels of commercial products. One thing this tour achieved was attracting the younger generation to appreciate and enjoy Kathakali... For me, I have seen many kathakali performances through out my life. This one gave me goose bumps. Then, [again] I am a kathakali buff... " Valsala Sekhar, CEO, Ushas Entertainment, Washington D.C

"Needless to say, the program was just outstanding. I have received a flood of emails and congratulatory calls from several well wishers thanking us for having organized this show!" Raman Iyer, Violinist and Organizer, Ragamala, Seattle

" I hope someday to do a research project on the costumes of kathakali and how they developed, as the image is so distinctive. The performance was stunning..." Sandy Bonds, Professor, Dept of Theatre Arts, University of Oregon

"Watching the Poothanamoksham and Bali Vadham, bought memories of my great grandmother who explained the stories to me when I was a kid. It was touching, exciting and fun. Thank you!... " Manoj Nair, Program Attendee, Berkeley, California

"Sheeja and I went with some hesitations although I was sure that I would get my money's worth just from Hyder Ali's singing. But to our total shock and surprise, we have become somewhat fans/fanatics of Kathakali. Now I know how/why people are willing to stay all-night-long to watch Kathakali.... " Babu Thomas, Program Attendee, Dallas,Texas