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| Wednesday, 5 May 2004 |
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South Asia and South East Asian dance forms The role of masks by Subashini Pathmanathan
Along with the full face covered masks, side face masks covering the ears and side of the face, specially designed crowns, or kiridams, and distinct make up play a major role in the masks dances. Among the Indian classical dance forms Kathakali is the most popular dance form due to its distinct akariya abinaya (makeup and dresses). Because of its distinct make up, beautiful carved broad colourful crown or kiridams, fully covered facial masks, or side face masks have added more to the attraction of this dance form. Similarly Yakshagana a classical dance form of Karnataka resembles the Kathakali, mainly in the make up and in the use of masks. Even in some of the folk dances the masks play an important role. For instance, the Tamil Nadu popular folk dances like Therukoothu, Nattukoothu, and some other regional folk dances and in some of the ritual dances the masks play an important role. Generally all the mask dances have some sort of similarities mainly in the stances (Standing position), and the steps of the dances, as well as in the turns, jumps, twists, and in the various vigorous movements. Sun festival In West Bengal there are two popular mask dances practised, during the Sun festival. One is Cahhu and other one Gambhira. Chhau is a ritual dance. It is a group dance, danced by a group of dancers. Gamphira is another Bengali mask dance. But it is essentially a solo dance. The common masses believe that there is a magical and religious influence in these dance forms. All these Indian classical mask dance forms are based on the puranic, religious, and epic themes. Beside these Indian classical dance forms in Bharatha Natyam, A new branch of dance concept was developed during the mid of 20th century called dance drama. The theme of the dance and dramas are based on various religious themes. Numerous characters are involved in one single dance drama. Each character has distinct make up and dress to the need and necessity. Sometime they wear masks. As a drama, dance drama provides more importance to each character's dress, make up, and the stage decor of the selective scene portrayed. For instance, in Ramayana dance drama, different characters are involved, such as Hanuman, Vaali, Sukirivan, Jadaau and Jaampavaan. Each character wears different masks. Ramayana is the most important theme among the Indian and South East Asian dances. In the annual Ramlila Festival in the north Indian states, the actors or the characters wear masks or semi masks for their roles. In Sri Lanka numerous mask dance are performed and practised. Some are story based mask dances, others are for amusement and for ritual purposes. Characters The Kolam is considered as a dance based play. In this dance based play variety of characters are involved. Each character wears the masks for her or his distinct character. Not like normal mask dances, the characters wear the masks and dance. In Kolam the masks are made with appropriate expressions, and emotions, of the effective role of each character. Another important mask dance of south Sri Lanka is Sanni Yakuma. There are altogether 18 Sanni demons to cure 18 types of diseases. Each Sanni demon has a particular name and each demon is supposed to heal certain diseases. The dancers representing these demons wear black colour costumes and the skirt decorated with leaves and specific masks. Thailand The role of the masks play an important role in the South East Asian dances. The South East Asian region comprises Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Java, Sumathra, Indonesia, and Bali. Due to the Indian migration to South East Asian region for various purposes this region came under the Indian influence mainly in the cultural, linguistic and religious levels. In Thailand the themes of the dances are firmly based on Ramayana and Mahabaratha. Women who play important role in these dances, wear masks, especially for certain roles, like monkeys, demons, and devas. Khon, another popular Thai classical mask dance form is based on series of stories. Variety of characters are involved in these story based dances, hence they wear different masks with different emotional expressions. In Bali one of the most popular dance forms which is performed in common place is called Barong Rangda. It is a mask dance which reveals the struggle between good and evil. Balinese dance tradition is a fusion of Hindu and Islamic culture. One of the dances is called Wayang Topeng is the solo mask dance form and it derives the theme from Hindu legends. Truths Mask dances generally impart various traditional religious truths and values to the average human life. Sometimes these dances are danced during the festival season for amusement and pleasure. In such mask dances the comedian or the clown mask characters impress the audience a lot. Some of the mask dances are used for ritual purposes to get rid of evil effects and sickness. **** Back **** |
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The masks play an important role in the classical, folk, and ritual
dance forms of South Asia, and South East Asian dance forms. In Indian
classical dance forms, as well as in the Indian dance dramas, the masks
play a major role.
