Classical Indian musical theatre
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Classical Indian musical theatre is a sacred art of the
Overview
Classical Indian musical theatre theory can be traced back to the
Classical Indian musical theatre at its best is
While
On the physical side the dancer must have perfect control of his body and limbs, which is achieved at least 12 years of study. Special massage is given to the feet. The Kathakali technique of using the face expression is a pure marvel of accomplishment. Some ancient masters of this dance have such control of their facial muscles that they can laugh with one side and cry with the other. Every Kathakali must be master of both tandava (vigorous masculine style at changing from one style to another). Lasya is divided into two categories; one suitable for men (for presenting love scenes, displays of sympathy and sentiment and so on) and the other for women who take female roles. Therefore, women may study Kathakali but do not take part in the pure dance drama which is too vigorous and difficult for them.[citation needed] Indian dancing is not just physical movements of hands and legs, it is a form of physical art with body and mind for both men and women alike as well as a form of worship to the Almighty Divine Gods.
An important feature of Indian classical dances is the use of Mudras or hand gestures. Mudras are used by the artists to express their feeling or even the whole story.
Later Indian musical theatre
Ancient
Traditional folk theatre became popular from around the 10th century with the decline of Sanskrit theatre. These regional traditions include the
In modern days, Kathakali is also learned and performed by women.
Influence on Indian musical films
Classical Indian musical theatre had a profound influence on shaping the conventions of
- Ancient
- The traditional folk theatre of India, which became popular from around the 10th century with the decline of Sanskrit theatre. These regional traditions include the Yatra of Bengal, the Ramlila of Uttar Pradesh, and the Terukkuttu of Tamil Nadu.[1]
- The Parsi theatre, which "blended realism and fantasy, music and dance, narrative and spectacle, earthy dialogue and ingenuity of stage presentation, integrating them into a dramatic discourse of melodrama. The Parsi plays contained crude humour, melodious songs and music, sensationalism and dazzling stagecraft."[1]
See also
- Indian classical drama
- Theater of India
Notes
- ^ ISBN 1-85856-329-1)
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References
- Auntrose, K., Classical Dances and costumes of India
- Banerji, P., Kathak Dance through the ages
External links
- Classical Indian dance at Curlie—over 250 links to Classical Indian Dance resources