Leah Lowthorp

Cultural anthropologist and folklorist, Assistant Professor of Anthropology and Folklore at the University of Oregon, and author of the book Deep Cosmopolitanism about Kutiyattam and heritage politics in Kerala.

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Jan 14, 2026 • 57min

Leah Lowthorp, "Deep Cosmopolitanism: Kutiyattam, Dynamic Tradition, and Globalizing Heritage in Kerala, India" (Indiana UP, 2025)

Leah Lowthorp, a cultural anthropologist and folklorist at the University of Oregon, delves into the world of Kutiyattam, the ancient Sanskrit theater from Kerala. She discusses its rich cosmopolitan history and critiques the ways UNESCO frames non-Western traditions. The conversation touches on Kerala's diverse heritage, the role of communism in reshaping cultural identity, and the significance of kinesthetic empathy in understanding performance. Leah also hints at her upcoming project exploring online folklore around genetics, blending tradition with modernity.

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