A Living Portrait of India
A Living Portrait of India |
India Heritage:Performing Arts:Dance:Folk Dance |
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Bharatlila Prahlad Nataka Chaita Ghoda Nata Dandanata Daskathia Ghudiki Nabaranga Nata Pala Bandi Nata BharatlilaA folk theatre focussing on the episodes from the Mahabharata,
with emphasis on the events concerning the warrior Arjuna
and his wife Subhadra. It is known also as Dwara Nata,
the character of Dwara taking on the function of interpreter
(vis-à-vis the audience) apart from his role in the play. The three
characters - Arjuna, Subhadra and Dwara - converse and
exchange witticisms through a performance that could cover 2-3 hours.
Prahlad NatakaA well-loved story of Prahlad, a Vishnu devotee who remained constant in the face of danger. This play is an adaptation of a classical work made popular by Raja Ramakrishna Deva Chotterai in mid - nineteenth century. The name of the form: Prahlad refers to the hero, nataka means play. The performance itself may take place in an open field where the actors dance and arrange themselves in a tableau on a platform. Mridangam drums, harmonium, mukh veena (a wind instrument), conch shells and cymbals provide the musical accompaniment to the action. The mask of Narasimha (the man-lion incarnation of Lord
Vishnu) is believed to be possessed of supernatural power
and is therefore handled with reverence. The actor putting on the
mask is similarly empowered, as legend runs, and needs to be prevented
from hurting the actor playing the evil king. Chaita Ghoda NataGhoda means `horse'. Humor and impromptu dialogue mark this
play performed by fishermen. Full moon nights during Spring are the
occasion for performances. There are three characters: the rauta
or commentator to expound on mythological themes; the rautami
(feminine) as the wife, as chorus and as singer; and the horse-dancer. DandanataIntroduces mythological figures through music and dance. The chief
characters are those of the Jogi (ascetic), the gods Siva
and Krishna, and the Gopis (female cowherds associated
with Krishna). This form is regarded by many as the most antiquated
form of drama, and seeks to convey moral lessons and religious concepts.
DaskathiaA two - actor drama that enacts mythological stories. The repertory is believed to contain 10 stories (Das means `ten,' kathia means `story'). A staging can last up to three hours. The gayaka or main singer is accompanied by the palia, the
actor who chants the name of Lord Rama. The two enact
different characters within a performance, simultaneously playing
the cymbals and castanets as and when required. Splendid costumes
are a constant as are the ankle bells of the artists. Ghudiki Nabaranga NataGhudiki Nabaranga Nata: also called the Dhukuki Nabaranga Nata. Ghudiki is the local drum always played during a performance. A cast of eight or ten actors performs within the crowd of spectators.
Different skits are presented during the three or four hour show.
The Ghudiki drummer invariably indulges in banter with the
other actors besides commenting on the unfolding drama PalaPala follows preliminary rituals laid down in the Natyashastra and boasts a high literary standard. This play can be performed either sitting down (Baithaki) or standing (thhia). The latter form is more popular. A total of six actors is required for this form that is a homage
to Satyapir, a deity respected by Hindus and Muslims alike.
The gayaka or chief singer holds a fly whisk and plays the
cymbals, while the others (palias) form a chorus. One of the palias
takes on the role of jester.
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