The 400-yr old art form Kathakali (from Kerala) is often referred to as the "total theatre" owing to its blend of acting, dance, vocal, percussion, painting and craft. The present performance is an excerpt from the Kathakali play Duryodhanavadham, portraying Krishna as a messenger of peace approaching Duryodhana who undoubtedly denies the requests, paving the way to the War of Kurukshetra.