Maach

Maach is a form of

Maach is thought to be a two or three century old tradition which was shaped by the religious developments of the 19th century. While originally associated with the festival of Holi, it is now performed on many occasions. Although a form of theatre, acting is under-emphasised and the theme unfolds through the songs and dances in the play. The background of the play is set by curtains and the dancers usually double up as singers. It is a sung drama with only occasional use of speech.^[3][7]

Maach is performed on a raised stage or manch which gives it its name. Traditionally, all the roles were performed only by men who would also don the role of female characters. Since singing is an integral element of Maach, players are noted for their singing voice. Performances open with a rendered bhishti rag before proceeding on to a series of preliminary dances that set an overture.^[3][6] The performance incorporates several elements such as rhyme or vanag, tune or rangat and dialogue or bol.^[8] Plays begin much after sunset and go on into the early hours of dawn.^[1] Humour in the plays are effected through the characters of a shemarkhan or bidhab who act as the king's advisor and the clown who plays a role akin to that of the sutradhar.^[6] The climax is often a colorful affair with the protagonists of the play often shown dancing amid clouds of coloured powder.^[7][9]

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