Kapila Venu

Kapila Venu is an accomplished practitioner of Kutiyattam and Nangiar Koothu (One of the oldest surviving Theatre and Storytelling traditions of the world originating and practised in South India). She was initiated into these traditions at a very young age.

She is the disciple of the legendary Kutiyattam master – Guru Ammannur Madhava Chakyar, renowned Kutiyattam practitioner and actor-trainer – Guru G Venu and foremost female practitioner of Kutiyattam – Guru Usha Nangiar. Kapila has also trained in Mohiniyattam classical dance for several years under her mother, eminent teacher and scholar – Guru Nirmala Paniker.

Kapila has been active as a performer of Kutiyattam since a young age. Her repertoire comprises both traditional performances and new experiments. She aspires to explore the depths of traditions and at the same time find other than the regular possibilities, spaces and people for her art.

Koodiyattam is the only artform that combines Sanskrit drama with traditional Koothu dance.