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Evolution of Asian Theatre: Bharatanatyam to Kathakali

Explore the rich history of Asian theatre from Bharatanatyam to Kathakali, highlighting its origins, cultural significance, and symbolic elements. Witness the evolution of Sanskrit drama, Natyasastra, and the unique characteristics that define Asian theatrical performances.

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Evolution of Asian Theatre: Bharatanatyam to Kathakali

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  1. Asian Theatre

  2. Asian Theatre • 350 -1350 CE – no organized theatre in West • Theatre was developing in Asia. Totally separate from development in the West • some think there may have been Western influence through Alexander the Great, though there is no proof. • Theatre emerges except where it is forbidden by law or religion • Early Christian Europe and Islamic ruled counties – not much theatre • India, China and Japan’s religion and culture embraced theatre • Unlike the West, religious roots of theatre are kept alive in Asian theatre • Asian theatre reached its high points when religion & philosophy was central in the culture

  3. General characteristics • More reliance on dance and movement • “dance dramas” • Symbolism • Movement of a hand can mean a great deal to the audience • Bharatanatyam – • Hindu Dance by Devadasi, women married to a deity (outlawed in 1988) • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prQOdTmF8u0 • Total Theatre - Combination of dance, music, mime, text, acting • Like Opera

  4. Origins – India and Sanskrit Drama • Origins are uncertain • Few references to drama in ancient writings • Few surviving buildings, though most theatre was probably in temporary spaces • Figurines of dancers from ancient Indus Valley from 4000 years ago have been found • First surviving plays written about 100 CE • Plays and performances were highly stylized

  5. Sanskrit Classical language of nobility Language of sacred texts – Hindu and Buddist Plays were written in this noble language though some characters would speak a mixture of Sanskrit and local dialect. Plays were not for the general public but noble classes Based on themes of Indian epic literature

  6. Indian / Sanskrit Theatre • Costumes followed fixed standards indicating caste or status • Stock characters • Several common themes (10) • Erotic theme most popular • Actors often of low caste, mainly men but some women • Natyasastra by Brarata Muni • Guide to how to do theatre

  7. According to Natyasastra • Origins – creator god Brahma petitioned to provide entertainment for all castes • Brahma brought together song and dance in a new way to instruct and entertain • After gods had declined to organize it, the Natyasastra was entrusted to Bharata who started working on the first play about how the gods were victorious over the demons • Demons did not like it and tried to interfer with rehearsal • With divine assistance a sacred place was created, a sanctified theatre

  8. According to Natyasastra • Each troupe had a leader – sudtradhara • Chief actor and managed others • Acting involved a combination of skills • Voice, body, emotions, costume and makeup

  9. According to Natyasastra • Theatre was rectangular • Equal division between audience and performance space • Audience space was only 214 sq. m. • According to LT – theatre was 96 ft long by 48 ft wide. • Seating 200 – 500 • Four pillars in auditorium: yellow, blue, red, white – symbolized castes • Curtain divided space into two, one for action and one for dressing

  10. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlowTuSs4QI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaj1WOLsH9I

  11. Shakuntala by Kalidasa (373 -414 CE) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmNyxKuElt0 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcYUuBx1AmY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQof2Cqwe9M http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmHMFdQX-OE

  12. Sanskrit Drama • Declined by end of 9th century • 12th century Arabs invaded • Under Islamic rule, theatre not encouraged • Old ways not maintained by the educated • Folk drama continued, used same epic stories. • Dance Dramas - • Kathakali –(Kerala) • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tl3UKV1z9lM

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