Lost Indian theatre

                                                                                     “              
I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being.
                                                                                     ”                                                                    – Oscar Wilde

While some folk theatre forms like raslila, nautanki and ramlila are recognized all over the country, there are some which, in spite of being equally amazing, remain largely unnoticed. Here is a list of 4 beautiful yet lesser known folk theatre forms from across India.


1.Koodiyattam

Lets have a glance at one of the oldest traditional theatre forms of India, Koodiyattam follows the performative principles of the ancient tradition of Sanskrit theatre. However, it has its own distinctive characteristics that are firmly rooted in the culture of Kerala. This theatre was traditionally a part of temple rituals performed in sacred theaters, called Koothambalams. In 2001, Koodiyattam was officially recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Source:-http://www.drishtiias.com/uploads/article-images/1439538589.KOODIYATTAM.jpg

2. Yakshagana

Yakshagana is a popular folk theatre form of Karnataka with a long history of nearly four hundred years. It is a unique harmony of musical tradition, eye-catching costumes, and authentic styles of dance, improvised gestures and acting, with its extemporaneous dialogue holding a wide appeal. The themes are generally derived from the mythologic0al stories and epics. Traditionally presented from dusk to dawn, this folk theatre is predominantly seen in the coastal districts of Karnataka.

Source: https://www.google.co.in/search?q=yakshagana+theatre&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj9mZ6UgPTZAhXLLI8KHeDdAQMQ_AUICygC&biw=1920&bih=966#imgrc=-YtzY7SCKzMUWM:

3. Swang

A popular folk theatre form in Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, Swang is centered around music. In this folk theatre, religious stories and folk tales are enacted and sung by a group of a dozen or so artistes. Characterized by loud rendering of dialogues and songs (a legacy of its open air performances in the past), swang has two important styles – one that belong to Rohtak (performed in the Bangru language)and the other that belongs to Haathras (performed in the Brajbhasha language).

Source:http://8ththeatreolympics.nsd.gov.in/en/administration/all_photo/image4/116-4.jpg

4.Bhand Paather

The centuries old traditional theatre form of Kashmir, bhand pathar is a unique combination of dance, music and acting. Satire, wit and parody are commonly used in this folk drama that incorporates local mythological legends and contemporary social commentary. Traditionally, the performances begin in the evening with a ritualistic dance called Chhok.The play unfolds gradually after this and ends in the early hours of the morning. Interestingly,the performers or bhands dance to the tune of specific instruments like the mukam, swarnai, dhol and nagara.

Source:-https://cdn.explara.com/revisiting-bhand-patherscreen-shot-220160823185924.png