TAKE a sleeping princess, her evil stepmother and a handsome prince, then add the spectacle and bright colours of India.

Here comes Hima Sundari, a story similar to Snow White, that will be told through the ancient art of Kathakali at the National Centre for Early Music, York, on June 13 at 6.30pm as part of the new season of Family Friendly Concerts.

Kathakali is the classical dance drama of Kerala, in southern India, first performed in Hindu temples 500 years ago with striking costumes, singing, rhythmic music and dramatic three-dimensional make-up called “Chutti”.

The actors, traditionally men, express grace, power and destruction, and as the story unfolds, a Kathakali play provides both a gateway to the past and a vision of the future. Relationships have changed very little, since these symbolic plays were written, to challenge the spiritual values and social behaviour of the community.

The Kala Chethena Kathakali Company was founded in 1987 and has since presented more than 1,500 performances and 3,500 workshops, introducing the art of Kathakali to thousands of people.

The company is returning to Britain for the first time since 2013 to perform the Hindu epic story of Hima Sundari, wherein good and evil battle for supremacy. The performance is suitable for seven year olds and upwards, and courtesy of the NCEM, What’s On has two sets of family tickets – four seats per family – to be won for the June 13 show.

• Question: When was Kathakali first performed?

Send your answer, with your name, address and daytime phone number, either on a postcard to Charles Hutchinson, Kathakali Competition, The Press, 76-86 Walmgate, York, YO1 9YN, or by email to charles.hutchinon@nqyne.co.uk by next Friday.

Tickets are on sale on 01904 658338 or at ncem.co.uk, including a family ticket (two adults, two children) priced at £28.