Research Commision on Theatre Tradtion Nautanki Essay - 1

Research Commision on Theatre Tradtion Nautanki - Essay Example It is a roving theatre form, today considered to be a little uncouth by educated Indians; but could also be called as folk dance, village drama etc. It is a rural version of the word, natak, meaning drama in Sanskrit and according to a legend, the word nautanki might have come because it was the name of a princess and the initial dramas were about her love story which eventually signified a theatre genre. â€Å"Nautanki is staged in courtyards and maidans. The music is not exactly classical or even folk but has a pattern of its own, which does not vary much from drama to drama. The poetry is written in various metrical patterns and sung according to a special convention. The prominent musical instrument is the nagada (a single-faced kettle drum) which, in fact heralds a Nautanki performance. The sarangi and harmonium are also used. The dholak (drum) provides the rhythm† http://www.indiaprofile.com/religion-culture/nautanki.htm Nautanki is based only in North India, especially in the states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. To give a brief history of this operatic drama, it is important to know that they started as musicals, evolved out of ballads and recitals, with emotional drama and elaborate gesticulation, stories focussing on heroes and anti-heroes of the society, usually performed on a make-shift platform, starting with the invocation of God. It is not only the stage, but the surrounding trees, building, windows, doors or any other decorative items that simply happened to exist adjacently could be used as part of the play to make it more authentic. The rural folk enjoyed the high drama in it and it applied to all the religions and cultures. Even today it is considered to be a highly secular dance form, where stories from all the religious mythologies are performed and appreciated. It starts with Ranga’s (Director or the main person) singing, supported by harmonium accompanied by scintillating different