Dashavatara

The term refers to the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu (das means ten, avatar means incarnations). Scholars are divided as to its origin: one group believes it to have evolved from Yakshagana, another group considers it to have emerged from Kuchipudi. Many actors believe that Dashavatara is originally a dance form from Kerala, and they worship a deity of the Walaval region of Kerala. Whatever the source, the form was introduced to the Konkan region in the sixteenth century.

The subject of the theft of the Vedas is discussed by the sutradhar (stage manager), Brahmin figures, women actors representing the rivers, actors playing Brahma (the Creator) and the goddess Saraswati (the goddess of learning), the demon Shankhasur. The overture continues for about two hours, and the drama proper (akhyana) begins after this. The play, concerning itself with stories from the epics and mythology, concludes at sunrise.

The red and white makeup of Dashavatara actors distinguishes them from the spectators who arrive shortly before 11 p.m. for the performance. The evening commences with prayers to Ganapati (the elephant-headed god), sung by the sutradhar (stage manager).

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