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| Wednesday, 18 August 2004 |
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Features of the traditional Indian theatre by Subashini Pathmanathan The traditional Indian theatre differs from place to place. In between the dances, special features such as dialogues are used. Use of dialogue could de seen in various types of dance forms such as folk, classical and ritual dance forms. The temple based dance like Rasaleela, Khyal of West Bengal and the Therukoothu of Tamil Nadu are well known for the use of speech in between the dances. The use of dialogue is sometime in more than one langauge. Most of the traditional dance forms like Rasaleela of Manipur, Ramleela of North India, Therukoothu of Tamil Nadu are based on religious and puranic themes. The dialogue used in between the songs or sometimes the theme of the songs is narrated by one singer whilst the group repeats the verses.
Chorus form of singing are often adopted in these traditional dance forms. The musical prelude is very important in the traditional Indian theatre. The introduction is given by the musical preludes. Ritual observations are generally associated with the traditional plays, dramas and dances. All the traditional plays, dances and dramas begin with the ritual religious rites. Generally the play begins with the worship of Lord Ganesha. In Yakshadanam ritual observance take place inside the dressing room whilst Rasaleela ritual observances are observed with the active participation of the audience. Most of the Indian classical dance forms begin with religious observances. For instance in classical Bharata Natya programs religious observances are observed by the Guru and the disciples who participate in the program and as well as by the invocatory song on Lord Ganesha. Curtain Using horizontal half curtain is another important feature in the traditional Indian theatre of earlier days. Two people hold the edges of the two sides of the curtain in their hands. In the classical dance forms also this type of set up was found. In Kathakali, Sathir and even in earlier classical Bharata Natya recitals these types of curtains were seen. The present hanging stage curtains were not available in those days; only hand-held curtains were used. In Yakshanagana in the beginning of the play the main characters enter when the curtains are held by two people. The entry song is sung by the vocalist with the entry song the characters are introduced, and indicate their nature and role. The main character enters the scene with vigorous steps, movements, high leaps, and forcefully removes the curtain with a firm leap. First he shows his back to the audience. Certain characters like demons and villains perform their role behind the curtain first with drum beatings. Then the curtain shakes softly first and the shake gradually increases and finally these characters enter the scene. The use of half curtain could be found in the Ramleela plays even today. Use of hand gestures in the Indian traditional theatre is common and important concept which is often referred to as gesture language. The make up, use of costumes and the nature of ornaments are different in various dramas, dances and plays from place to place. Generally the costumes are glittering and attractive. Big kiridams, (crown) masks and half masks are often used in the traditional Indian theatre. Integral part The concept of rasas play an important role in the Indian classical theatre. Audience is an integral part of the Indian classical theatre. The audience imbibes the art and participates emotionally throughout the play. Many innovations were introduced in the traditional Indian theatre yet the basic factors have not changed. Numerous high multi-technological factors entered into the entertainment art field and have changed the entire outlook of the art forms. But still the traditional art forms are well preserved. The people attend these shows with great enthusiasm. The audience watches the shows by sitting down on the ground in very close proximity to the stage. The actors are the good performers and they are well versed in all theatre arts such as dancing, acting, music rhythmic movements and acrobatics. Traditional Indian theatre is almost drama dominated dance forms. The characters are generally divided into three important characters: godly character is Sativika, worldly character is Rajasika, evil character is Thamansika. Each character is supposed to play the same role till the end. Many times males play the female roles. The traditional Indian theatre has its own traditions and is popular among the masses. **** Back **** |
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