The Kala Chethena Kathakali Troupe are bringing the captivating drama, dance, costumes and music of Kerala in southern India to Bordon in the form of workshops, performances and a stunning exhibition.

It is working in partnership with The Phoenix Theatre & Arts Centre, the Whitehill & Bordon Community Trust, Haslemere Educational Museum and Petersfield Museum and Art Gallery.

The troupe aims to raise awareness of the people of Kerala, who brought their heritage with them when they migrated to this country.

The Phoenix is hosting a colourful exhibition of exquisite Kathakali costumes, including beautifully carved headdresses, wooden ornaments, Mohiniattam and Bharatanatyam dance costumes, traditional Keralan dress, drums, photographs and artefacts from October 23 to November 30.

Design a Kathakali Mask worksheets will be available for any budding artists who feel inspired to create and submit their own.

The Phoenix will host two performances featuring some of Kerala’s top Kathakali artists, who are flying over especially to present their exceptional art to the people of East Hampshire and bring the exhibition alive.

These Keralan performers will introduce audiences to centuries-old forms of drama (Kathakali), dance (Mohiniattam, Bharatanatyam) and drumming (Chenda Melam).

The elaborate three-dimensional make-up for these performances will also be applied by the first female Kathakali make-up artist in the world – Southampton grandma Barbara Vijayakumar.

The troupe will host four free workshops introducing these ancient art forms to participants of all ages on Saturdays throughout November.

The performances will be on October 12 and November 2 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, priced £10 (£5 children, under-fours free).

The workshops will be from 2pm to 4pm on November 9 (Mohiniattam workshop where guests will learn the dance of the enchantress), November 16 (Chenda Melam drumming workshop), November 23 (Bharatanatyam classical dance workshop) and November 30 (Kathakali drama workshop).