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Yakshagana
is the traditional theatre of Karnataka and one of the great
dance drama forms of India. The plays are a unique blend of
stylistic elements from Sanskrit drama (notably the use of
chorus and the clown figure), songs that were traditionally
performed in the temple courtyards and village squares of the
region and themes particularly battles and acts of heroism – from
the great epics MAHABHARATA and RAMAYANA.
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The result is an astonishingly rich combination
of classical music and singing, refined choreography and
ancient texts. But it also goes for pure, unashamed spectacle,
with vigorous dancing blood-and – guts fight scenes,
special effects, glittering costumes and towering head-dresses
which give it a robust and earthy folk character. The atmosphere
created by the simultaneous use of two artistic languages-folk
and classical-is one of the most fascinating aspects of this
exceptional theatre form. Yakshagana is fully developed,
mature theater form with its music, improvised dialogue,
costumes and dance.
Yakshagana
may have emerged as early as the 11 th century. But most
of the scripts were written after the 15 th century. Traditionally
the performance runs throughout the night. The worship
first begins in the green room and then again done on the
stage to Lord the Ganapathi. In the past the buffoon – Hanumanayak
used to do the worship. But now worship through dance is
done by BALAGOPALAS or NATI (female dancer).
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Yakshagana
is actually in the form of a poetic story that is narrated
by the BHAGAVATA (Singer)
the beginning is always with the ODDOLAGA (Traditional
style of entering a character.) First entry of any characters
is very important. There the character type is communicated
to the audience (Hunter, King, Hero, Demonic Character
etc.) through Nritta or pure dance and also used for other
set of dances, like war, journey, hunting etc. In other
situations, depending on the rhythm of the song, the actor
composes the dance appropriately, using his experience,
talent and imagination.
The Dialogue in yakshagana is quite
unique because it is not written, but is totally impromptu
and improvised. The headgear and make-up suggest different
character types. The make up and costumes are undoubtedly
one of the most attractive features of Yakshagana. |
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The ornaments are made of
softwood, which is carved and decorated, with mirrors and golden
colored paper. The Bhagvatha (singer) the player of MADDALE and CHENDE are
called the HIMMELA. In
the past the Shruthi box was used along with them. Now days,
Harmonium is used for that purpose. The Narrator as well Sutradhar
is BHAGAVATA. His task is to narrate the story
through songs, introduce the characters and sometimes to converse
with them. Today 25 to 30 rags are used in Yakshagana. |
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