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The art of Chutti, Kathakali performance make-up. Advice to your younger self. Novelist Emily Barr

Makeup used in Kathakali performance, a centuries-old storytelling style of classical theatre. Advice to your younger self. And Emily Barr on her latest novel for young adults.

In the1960's many people followed 'the hippy trail' - travelling overland to India. Barbara Vijayakumar is an artist who took this route in 1972 but took a wrong turn and ended up in southern India studying Chutti. This is the makeup used in Kathakali performances - a centuries old storytelling style of classical theatre, which combines dance, drama and music. Barbara became the first female Chutti artist in the world. Felicity Finch went to meet Barbara in Oxford as she was applying the Chutti to an actor's face before a performance

What advice would you give to your younger self, and what lessons have you learned? Dawn French, Salt n Pepa, Alain de Botton and Hillary Clinton give e their tips. Features writer & columnist Polly Vernon and Tanya Compas - Women & Girls Programme Manager at The Change Foundation sahre their thoughts.

Plus what do you do when you realise your life has been a lie? Emily Barr talks about her new novel The Truth and Lies of Ella Black a thriller set in Rio.

Available now

58 minutes

Last on

Thu 28 Dec 2017 10:00

Chapters

  • What advice would you give to your younger self?

    Duration: 18:13

  • The art of Chutti, Kathakali performance make-up

    Duration: 08:59

  • Emily Barr talks about her new novel The Truth and Lies of Ella Black

    Duration: 07:53

What advice would you give your younger self?

Some of our wisest guests - from actors Tamsin Greig to model Adwoa Aboah to Mobo Awards founder Kanya King - on what they've learnt from life. Check out the video

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Jenni Murray
Interviewed Guest Polly Vernon
Interviewed Guest Tanya Compas
Interviewed Guest Emily Barr
Reporter Felicity Finch
Producer Beverley Purcell

Broadcast

  • Thu 28 Dec 2017 10:00

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