Context: At a time when Kathaprasangam is literally on the verge of extinction, people in Kozhikode are trying to spread awareness of social issues through the art form.

About Kathaprasangam

• Kadhaprasangam (lyrical narrative or story telling performance) is a performing art of Kerala, India.

• It combines speaking, acting, and singing to present a story.

• It started a century ago, touching on themes of oppression, untouchability, and human triumphs.

• It uses a blend of prose and song, accompanied by a harmonium and tabla, to retell stories.

• A performance typically lasts 5 to 3 hours.

• Costumes, make-up, or settings are not used.

• The main artist, the Kaadhikan, tells the story, acts and sings with two or three accompanying instrumentalists.

• Themes are largely from classical and popular

• It originated from an earlier art form Harikathakalakshepam which used similar techniques, but differed in theme and style.

• While Harikadhakalakshepam was based on themes from puranas and epics, Kadhaprasangam received themes largely from classical and popular literature.

Famous patrons

• Manmadhan, Keshava Panicker, Joseph Kaimapramban, Sambasivan, Kedamangalam Sadanandan, Cherthala Bhavani Amma, Ammini Brahmani Amma, Thiruvalla Ponnamma etc.

Similar Art forms

• Kathakalakshepa, Burrakatha of Andhra Pradesh and

• Villupattu of Tamil Nadu shows affinity to kathaprasangam.