Traditional Indian Folk Theatre: Yakshagana

Yakshagana​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ remains an artistically colorful traditional theatrical drama and dance performance which first came about in the coastal region of Karnataka, India. Its origin dates back to the 15th century. The uniqueness of the art lies in the perfect integration of dance, music, gorgeous costumes, makeup, and storytelling which make it the most magnificent one among the hundred etc. Performances mostly take their themes from Hindu epics like the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Bhagavata Purana, but the infusion of social and political themes in recent years has also made Yakshagana appeal to the present-day audience.

Yakshagana is an artistic performance involving the collaboration of many artists the dancers, actors, singers, musicians, and stagehands. The play is divided into the Mummela (foreground actors) and Himmela (background musicians and the Bhagavatha, the narrator and the solo singer leading the play with song and speech). Music is the lifeline of a Yakshagana program with real-time traditional instrumental play such as the maddale (drum), chenda, cymbals, and harmonium. Not only is the Bhagavatha a major part, but also, he is the one directing the performance and the spirit of the scenes on the stage with his own.

The beauty of the dresses and the makeup of the Yakshagana characters are its distinct features. Colorful, fancy and in some cases oversized garments and headdresses, which show the character traits – one of gods and demons or heroes and sages etc., are masked worn by the actors. Sometimes, the masks are also there which are made of wood or papier-mâché and decorated with intricate detail. The magnificent dressing along with the acrobatic dance steps, the fights from ancient times and the lively facial expressions, envelope the audience in the world of the play.

Without a break, and mostly old temple yards or open fields were the venues, it was the tradition to see Yakshagana performances from dusk to dawn. Some of the shows lasted even for more than several hours but nowadays, performances are shortened to fit into the current time frames. The plays are also famous for their improv skills – the characters in the plays often reply with quick-witted lines, speeches, and even philosophical debates all in character without changing they’re correct ness, thus they bring life and the fact that one cannot foresee the continuation of the next given dynamicization part of the play.

Yakshagana troupes, by word of mouth, have been able to travel far and wide over the ages, and by the communities' generous support, which provides them food, lodging, and attending, pollinating, have also spread their works. While the performing arts genre of the tradition has recently seen decline of popularity, the revival movement to which local artists, cultural groups, and community participation have greatly contributed, is now leading the genre to the resurgence and re-ignition of interest especially of the younger generations. Creative and theatrical presentation, up-to-date concepts, and the popularity of workshops and educational programs are the means that not only safeguard but also deliver the Yakshagana tradition to the new generation and contemporary audiences.