One of the highlights of our itinerary. We watched the make-up being applied, then there was a demonstration of the gestures that are used in telling the story; these gestures include the use of facial muscles and eye movements peculiar to the Kathakali tradition as well as hand and body movements for "Come", "There", "Brother", "Go!" and other gestures which seem to be universally understood. These gestures are here made into something like a dance form, complete with drumming, Then the story is presented, an extract from a much longer saga: The villain Kichaka tries to seduce Malini; she runs to her husband Bhima and tells him of this wickedness; Bhima is outraged; he waits under a cloak for the villain, who thinks the form beneath the cloak is Malini. Shock, horror, with drums. End of story. You knew how it would end, but it is wonderful to watch.