Traditional features of Indian theatre
Subhashini Pathmanadan
The traditional Indian theatre varies from place to place. Special
features such as dialogues are used in between dances. Use of dialogue
could be seen in various types such as folk, classical and ritual dance
forms.
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Group
of dancers |
The temple-based dances like Rasaleela, Khyal of West Bengal and
Therukoothu of Tamil Nadu are well known for the use of speech in
between dances. The dialogue is sometimes in more than one languages.
Most traditional dance forms like Rasaleela of Manipur, Ramleela of
North India and Therukoothu of Tamil Nadu are based on religious and
puranic themes. The dialogue used in between songs or sometimes the
theme of the songs is narrated by one singer while the group repeats
verses.
Chorus form of singing is often adopted in these traditional dance
forms. The musical prelude is very important in traditional Indian
theatre. Introduction is given by the musical preludes.
Ritual observations are generally associated with traditional plays,
dramas and dances. All traditional plays, dances and dramas begin with
religious rites.
Generally the play begins with the worship of Lord Ganesha. In
Yakshagana ritual observance takes place inside the dressing room while
Rasaleela rituals are observed with active participation of audience.
Most Indian classical dance forms begin with religious observances.
For instance in classical Bharatha Natyam programs, religious rituals
are observed by Guru and disciples who participate in the program as
well as by the invocatory song on Lord Ganesha.
Using horizontal half curtain is another important feature in
traditional Indian theatre of earlier days. Two people hold edges of two
sides of the curtain in their hands.
In classical dance forms too this type of set up was found. In
Kathakali, Sathir and even earlier classical Bharatha Natyam recitals
these types of curtains were seen. The present stage curtains were not
available in those days. Only hand-held curtains were used.
In the beginning of the play of Yakshagana, the main characters enter
when curtains are held by two people. Entry song is sung by the vocalist
with characters introduced and their nature and role indicated. 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 beating. 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.
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Elegant
female dancer |
Use of hand gestures in traditional Indian theatre is a 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 Indian traditional theatre.
The concept of rasas plays 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
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.
Actors are 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 a drama-dominated dance form.
The characters are generally divided into three important characters:
godly character is Sativika, worldly character is Rajasika and evil
character is Thamansika. Each character is supposed to play the same
role till the end. Males play the female roles in most cases.
Traditional Indian theatre has its own traditions and is popular
among masses.
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