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All About Folk Theatre of India

April 15, 2024 451 0

Introduction

Folk theatre reflects the various aspects of the local lifestyle, including social norms, beliefs and customs. It had rural roots and a rustic flavour.  They emerged around the 15th – 16th century AD with devotional themes, but later they adopted secular tones. 

Folk Theatre Of India

Folk Theatre  Description 
Bhand Pather

(Kashmir) 

  • Humour through satire, wit, and parody are used to induce laughter in the play.
  • It incorporates musical elements with instruments like surnai, nagaara, and dhol.
  • Actors mainly come from the farming community, reflecting their way of life, ideals, and sensitivity.
Bhaona

(Assam)

  • It is a presentation of the Ankia Naat of Assam, featuring cultural glimpses of Assam, Bengal, Orissa, Mathura, and Brindavan. 
  • The Sutradhaar initiates the folk theatre story in Sanskrit, transitioning into Brajboli or Assamese.
Bhavai

(Gujarat)

  • Primarily found in Kutch and Kathiawar regions. It blends devotional and romantic sentiments, creating a distinctive cultural expression.
Burra Katha

(Andhra Pradesh)

  • It is an oral storytelling technique consisting of a main artist or narrator and two vanthas or co-artists who provide the rhythm and the chorus.
  • Burra is the percussion instrument used during the performance. 
Chavittu Natakam

(Kerala)

  • It is a popular Christian art form in Kerala, originated during 17th century AD.  It is also called stamping drama, as the artist stamps the floor.
Dashavatar

(Konkan And Goa)

  • Performers personify the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu.
  • They use stylised make-up and wear masks made of wood and papier-mache.
Daskathia

(Odisha)

  • There are two narrators – Gayaka (chief singer) and Palia (co-narrator) who mainly narrate the story of Shiva and other Gods.
  • The narration is accompanied by music composed using a wooden musical instrument called kathia
Garodas

(Gujarat)

  • Popular art form of the ‘Garoda’ community. 
  • It uses painted pictures to narrate stories of romance and valour.
Kariyila

(Himachal Pradesh)

  • It is an open-air theatre. The performance occurs throughout the night and comprises a series of small plays and skits.
Kutiyattam 

(Kerala)

  • It is rooted in Sanskrit theatre traditions.
  • It involves distinct characters, including Chakyaar (actor), Naambiyaar (instrumentalists), Naangyaar (women’s roles), Sutradhar (narrator), and Vidushak (jesters).
  • It is listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Krishnattam

(Kerala)

  • It originated in the 17th century under King Manavada of Calicut’s patronage.
  • It comprises eight plays performed over eight consecutive days.
Kuruvanji 

(Tamil Nadu)

  • The first Kuruvanji was composed by Thirukutarajappa Kaviyar. 
  • The basic theme revolves around a love-struck heroine. 
  • It is performed in a dance ballet form with Bharatnatyam. 
Mudiyettu

(Kerala)

  • It is celebrated during Vrischikam (November-December) and is primarily performed in Kali temples.
  • It serves as an offering to the Goddess and portrays the triumph of goddess Bhadrakali over the asura Darika.
  • The performance features seven characters, including Shiva, Narada, Darika, Danavendra, Bhadrakali, Kooli, and Koimbidar, all adorned with elaborate makeup.
Oja-Pali

(Assam)

  • It is associated with the festival of Manasa or the serpent goddess. 
  • Oja is the main narrator, and Pali are the members of the chorus.
Powada

(Maharashtra)

  • Represent the heroic deeds of Shivaji against Afjal Khan
  • They are sung by the folk musicians known as Gondhalis and Shahirs.
Raasleela

(Uttar Pradesh)

  • It is based on Lord Krishna’s legends. It’s believed that Nand Das wrote the initial plays. It combines prose dialogues with songs and scenes.
Swang

(Punjab And Haryana)

  • Initially, folk theatre was music-based but gradually incorporated prose into its dialogues. Two styles of Swang exist in Rohtak and Haathras, featuring Haryanvi (Bangru) and Brajbhasha languages, respectively.
Tamaasha

(Maharashtra)

  • Unlike other theatre forms, the female actress (Murki) is the chief exponent of dance movements.
  • It incorporates classical music, lightning-speed footwork, and vivid gestures to portray various emotions.
Therukoothu

(Tamil Nadu)

  • It is performed to ensure a bountiful harvest. At its core, there is a cycle of eight plays based on the life of Draupadi.
Villu Pattu

(Deccan)

  • It is a form of musical theatre in which stories of Ramayana are narrated.
Yakshagaana

(Karnataka)

  • It is an open theatre that presents prominent episodes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana.

 

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Other Theater Forms

  • Maach (Madhya Pradesh); Naqal/Bhand (Punjab); Nautanki (Uttar Pradesh); Pagati Veshalu (Telangana And Andhra Pradesh); Padayani (Kerala); Tal-Maddale (Karnataka); Bayalata (Karnataka).

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Conclusion

  • In a world of evolving entertainment, folk theatre remains a timeless treasure, connecting generations through its tales of love, valor, and humor. 
    • The enduring legacy of folk theatre enriches societies, fostering unity, pride, and appreciation for our collective human experience.
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