Folk theatre stands as a vibrant testament to the diversity of India. Folk theatre in India can be broadly classified into three categories: Ritual Theatre, Theatre of Entertainment, and South Indian Theatre. Each category has its unique forms, often entwined with the cultural fabric of its respective region.
Ritual Theatre:
Ritual theatre in India is deeply rooted in religious and mythological traditions. It serves as a medium to transmit faith and beliefs to both performers and audiences. Here are some notable examples:
- Ankia Naat: Originating in Assam during the 15th-16th century AD, Ankia Naat is a one-act drama founded by the legendary Vaishnava Saint Sankaradeva. It is staged like an opera and portrays events from Lord Krishna’s life, often accompanied by Gayan-Bayan Mandali, a group of musicians. The use of masks to depict expressions is a distinctive feature.
- Kala: This ancient Vaishnavite folk theatre revolves around Vishnu’s lives and incarnations. Dashavatar Kala, Gopal Kala, and Gaulan Kala are some prominent branches.
- Ramlila: A well-known folk theatre in Uttar Pradesh, Ramlila is a performance of the Ramayana, celebrated with music, dance, and conversations in the days leading up to Dussehra. It holds UNESCO recognition as an “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.”
- Raslila: Predominantly performed in Gujarat and North India, Raslila is a dance play dramatizing the teenage love tales of Krishna and Radha.
- Bhuta Aradhana: Hailing from Karnataka’s coastal regions, Bhuta Aradhana is a traditional practice to honor departed ancestors, often performed through Kola, a ceremonial theatre.
- Ramman: A ritualistic theatre in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal region, dedicated to the local god Bhumiyal Devta. It boasts UNESCO recognitionand features elaborate performances, including dances, songs, and storytelling.
Theatres of Entertainment (North, West, and Eastern India):
Theatres of Entertainment are more secular and focus on providing entertainment to rural audiences, often showcasing tales of love, heroism, and socio-cultural customs. Here are some notable forms:
- Bhavai: Prominent in Rajasthan, Bhavai is a folk theatre form that utilizes dance to narrate stories in a series of short plays. Performers balance clay pots or metal pitchers while showcasing their skills to the backdrop of semi-classical music.
- Daskathia: Hailing from Odisha, Daskathia features two narrators, Gayaka (principal vocalist) and Palia (co-narrator), using a wooden musical instrument known as Kathia to enhance the story, often centered around Lord Shiva.
- Garodas: This art form, practiced by the ‘Garoda’ Brahmin group in Gujarat, tells tales of passion and bravery through painted drawings.
- Jatra: A popular open-air theatre in Eastern India, Jatra began as a medium to spread Lord Krishna’s teachings during Vaishnava Saint Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s travels in rural Bengal. It later evolved to include stories with secular, historical, and patriotic themes.
- Kariyila: Popular in Himachal Pradesh’s foothills, Kariyila is an open-air theatre performed at village fairs and festivals, featuring a succession of short plays and sketches that last throughout the night.
- Maach: Hailing from Madhya Pradesh’s Malwa region, Maach initially focused on mythical subjects like the Mahabharata and Ramayana but later incorporated romantic folk tales. It features unique couplets known as Rangat Dohas for dialogue delivery.
- Swang: Popular in Punjab and Haryana, Swang comprises musical plays performed in verses, accompanied by traditional instruments like ektara, harmonium, sarangi, dholak, and khartal, often involving impersonation and conversation.
- Nautanki: A branch of Swang, Nautanki is North India’s most popular folk theatre form, known for its historical, social, and traditional storytelling through dance and song. It employs poetic dialogue and rhythmic accompaniments.
- Ojapali: A unique Assamese folk theatrical genre associated with the Manasha or Serpent Goddess festival, Ojapali divides the story into three parts, featuring Oja (main narrator) and Palis (choir members).
- Powada: Originating in Maharashtra, Powada consists of operatic ballads performed by Gondhalis and Shahirs, folk musicians who narrate stories of bravery.
- Tamasha: A prominent Maharashtra folk theatre, Tamasha is known for its humor and sensuality, featuring female performers and often accompanied by Lavani songs.
- Villu Pattu: Popular in the Deccan region, Villu Pattu involves musical storytelling using bow-shaped instruments to narrate stories from the Ramayana.
- Bhand Pather: A Jammu and Kashmir folk theatre, Bhand Pather combines modern societal satire with legendary tales and features music, dance, and drama while maintaining a secular approach.
- Bhaona: An Assamese folk theatre, particularly on Majuli Island, Bhaona aims to promote religious and moral teachings through entertainment. Ankia Naat is a central presentation, accompanied by songs, music, and Sutradhar’s narration.
- Dashavatar: Farmers in the Konkan region employ Dashavatar theatre to commemorate Lord Vishnu’s ten incarnations, divided into two sections: ‘poorva-ranga’ and ‘uttaranga,’ with the primary act focusing on mythical legends.
- Naqal or Bhand: Performed in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, Naqal (Punjab) and Bhand (Uttar Pradesh) use imitation and humor to convey social and political messages, often performed by artists from the Muslim Bhand Community.
Theatres of South India:
South Indian theatrical traditions emerged when Sanskrit classical theatre waned in North India during the 8th century AD. These traditions emphasize dance over music and include:
- Yakshagana: Among the oldest theatre traditions, Yakshagana is still practiced in Karnataka and parts of Kerala. It began as a descriptive dance-drama and evolved into a dance play, deeply influenced by the Vaishnava Bhakti Movement.
- Burra Katha: A prominent storytelling tradition in Andhra Pradesh, Burra Katha derives its name from the percussion instrument “Burra.” A primary artist leads the performance with two co-artists providing rhythm and chorus.
- Pagati Veshaalu: A Telangana and Andhra Pradesh ritual, Pagati Veshaalu involves role-playing and disguise, with an emphasis on vesham (disguise) and supporting characters.
Bayalata: An open-air theatre practice in Karnataka, Bayalata
FAQs on Folk Theatre
1. What is folk theatre?
Folk theatre refers to traditional theatrical performances that have originated from the cultural expressions of a particular community or region. It often incorporates local customs, rituals, and storytelling techniques, making it a unique and integral part of the cultural heritage of a community.
2. How does folk theatre differ from mainstream theatre?
While mainstream theatre is often associated with professional productions in urban centers, folk theatre is rooted in the traditions of specific communities or rural areas. Folk theatre tends to be more community-oriented, relying on local talent and drawing inspiration from indigenous stories, music, and dance.
3. What are some common themes in folk theatre?
Folk theatre typically explores themes that are closely tied to the cultural, social, and historical aspects of the community it represents. Common themes include myths, legends, morality tales, and everyday life experiences. These performances often serve as a means of preserving cultural identity and passing down traditions through generations.
4. How is folk theatre transmitted from one generation to the next?
The transmission of folk theatre is often an oral and experiential process. Knowledge is passed down through informal apprenticeships, where younger members of the community learn from the older generation. The use of music, dance, and dialogue helps to ensure the continuity of the folk theatre tradition.
5. Can folk theatre adapt to contemporary themes and issues?
Yes, folk theatre has shown remarkable adaptability. While rooted in tradition, it has the capacity to incorporate contemporary themes and issues, making it a dynamic form of expression. Many folk theatre groups today engage with modern topics, addressing social, political, and environmental issues to remain relevant and resonate with diverse audiences.
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