11 months ago
16-Year-Old Becomes First Muslim Woman to Perform Kathakali
Sabri, a 16-year-old, made history by becoming the first Muslim woman to perform Kathakali at Kerala Kalamandalam.
This traditional dance form, usually performed in temples, became accessible to Sabri after the school opened to girls in 2022.
Sabri's journey began with a love for the art form, and she practiced diligently.
She performed the introductory Purappadu segment.
With support from her family, she overcame challenges.
Sabri's achievement breaks barriers and inspires others to follow their dreams.
Sabri, 16, made her Kathakali debut at Kerala Kalamandalam.
She is the first Muslim woman to perform Kathakali at the institution.
The performance was the introductory Purappadu segment.
Kerala Kalamandalam opened its doors to girls in 2022.
Sabri plans to pursue further studies in Kathakali at the institution.
- Who
- Sabri, a 16-year-old
- What
- Performed her Kathakali debut
- Where
- Kerala Kalamandalam
- When
- Vijaya Dashami
- Why
- To pursue her passion and make history
Key facts
- Event
- Sabri's Kathakali debut
- Location
- Kerala Kalamandalam, Thrissur
- Age
- 16
- Role
- First Muslim woman to perform Kathakali at Kerala Kalamandalam
- Performance
- Purappadu segment
- Founded
- 1930
- Opened to girls
- 2022
Quotes
Sabri
A 16-year-old Kathakali dancer
“The last three years seemed to pass in a jiffy. It was a dream for me when I made my 20-minute debut Kathakali performance in front of a packed audience at the koothambalam (playhouse) of the Kalamandalam.”
telegraphindia.com
“I performed the Purappadu (going forth), an introductory pure dance segment in a Kathakali performance, along with my seven classmates, who included three boys.”
telegraphindia.com
Nizam
Sabri's father and the owner of Ammas Art Gallery
“I saw the spark in Sabri’s eyes when she first watched a Kathakali performance at a temple festival. I decided she should get the best training in Kathakali.”
telegraphindia.com
“But until recently, we had not realised that Sabri had created history by becoming the first Muslim girl to pursue Kathakali from the Kalamandalam.”
telegraphindia.com
