yakshagana costume making, udupi

20
ORIGIN HISTORY ARTISTS costume DRESSES TRADITIONAL BACKDROP ORNAMENTS YAKSHAGANA -CHARVEE, AD-V MAKE-UP RESEACH PLACE - UDUPI

Upload: katta-charvee-reddy

Post on 04-Jul-2015

1.805 views

Category:

Entertainment & Humor


18 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: YAKSHAGANA COSTUME MAKING, UDUPI

ORIGIN

HISTORYARTISTS

costume

DRESSESTRADITIONAL BACKDROP

ORNAMENTS

YAKSHAGANA-CHARVEE, AD-V

MAKE-UP

RESEACH PLACE - UDUPI

Page 2: YAKSHAGANA COSTUME MAKING, UDUPI

Contents

1

Introduction

3

The Word And

The World

4

Genesis

5

Origin

6

Traditional

Backdrop

7

Cultural

Dependence

8

Craft

Depending

Geographical

Area

9

Growth And

Changes

11

The Troupes

13

Costumes;

Ornaments;

Make-up

15

Yakshagana

Kala Kendra

Page 3: YAKSHAGANA COSTUME MAKING, UDUPI

a theater form that

combines, dance, music,

dialogue, costume, make-

up and stage techniques

with a unique style and

form.

YAKSHAGANA

INTRODUCTION

Page 4: YAKSHAGANA COSTUME MAKING, UDUPI

1

YAKSHAG

ANAIntroduction

A craft is a profession that requires some particular kind of skilled work. In a historical sense,

particularly as pertinent to the Middle ages and earlier, the term is usually applied to people

occupied in small-scale production of goods. The traditional terms craftsman and craftswoman are

nowadays often replaced by artisan and rarely by craftsperson (craftspeople).

Yakshagana is a classical folk art form of the state of Karnataka in India mostly popular in the

districts of Uttara Kannada, Shimoga, Udupi, Dakshina Kannada and Kasargode district of Kerala.

This would be considered to be a form of opera in western eyes. Actors wear costumes and enact

the various roles. Traditionally, Yakshaganas would go on all night. It is sometimes simply called as

Aataā in both Kannada and Tulu (meaning play).

A Yakshagana performance begins at the twilight hours with the beating of drums for up to a

couple of hours before the 'actors' get on the stage. The actors wear resplendent costumes, head-

dresses, and painted faces which they paint themselves. A performance usually depicts a story

from the Hindu epics and puranas.

It consists of a narrator who narrates the story in a song-like fashion, backed by musicians playing

on traditional musical instruments as the actors dance to the tune, with actions that portray the

story as it is being narrated. The actors have a limited dialog during the course of the performance.

Page 5: YAKSHAGANA COSTUME MAKING, UDUPI

Both the word

Yakshagana and its world

are interesting and

intriguing. It is a theatre

form mainly prevalent in

the coastal districts and

adjacent areas, in

Karnataka.

YAKSHAGANA

THE WORD AND

THW WORLD

Page 6: YAKSHAGANA COSTUME MAKING, UDUPI

3

YAKSHAG

ANAThe Word And The World

Yakshagana is a traditional theatre form combining dance, music, spoken word, costume-makeup,

and stage technique with a distinct style and form.

Both the word Yakshagana and its world are interesting and intriguing. It is a theatre form mainly

prevalent in the coastal districts and adjacent areas, in Karnataka. It is closely connected with

other forms prevailing in other parts of Karnataka, and its neighboring states of Andhra Pradesh,

Kerala, Tamilnadu and Maharashtra.

Yakshagana, like many other forms, defies neat classification into categories like folk, classical,

rural. It can be included into each of these, or all of them together, depending upon our line of

approach. Being a theatre form, unlike a dance form, it is more plural and dynamic. And hence it

exhibits many types and varieties inside itself. However, Yakshagana can be rightly called a

traditional form.

Primarily it is a name given to the one prevailing in Coastal and Malnad areas of Karnataka,

though in fringe forms like Doddata are also called by the same name often, especially recently .

The traditional theatre form Mudalpaya of Southern Karnataka, the Doddata of Northern

Karnataka, the Kelike in the borders of Andhra Pradesh, the Ghattadakore of Kollegal in

Chamarajnagar district – are such forms .

Among them, the Ghattadakore is a direct branch of Coastal Yakshagana, while Mudalapaya is

the most closely connected form. There is a form called Yakshaganamu in Andhra Pradesh also

which exhibits resemblance to the forms of Karnataka plateau region.

Page 7: YAKSHAGANA COSTUME MAKING, UDUPI

4

YAKSHAG

ANAGenesis

The origin of any art form is in a way difficult to fix and the time and process of formation

conceived is often arbitrary. As art forms grow over a period, and they include various elements

from time to time and undergo many changes until they appear as we see them today. Theatre

forms become solo performances (for example, Kathak) and may be vice versa.

Page 8: YAKSHAGANA COSTUME MAKING, UDUPI

5

YAKSHAG

ANAOrigin

Basically Yakshagana is the product of the Vaishnava Bhakthi movement. Vaishnavism as a school

of thought and religion is quite old. The Bhakthi movement proper, spread with vigour after the 10th

Century. It took religion to the common man, to the lower strata of society, those classes to whom

the highly formalised and Vedic religion was beyond reach. Hence Bhakthi movement was a social

movement also.

In order to propagate and spread the message of devotion, it adopted and adapted the existing

folk as well as classical literary forms and performances. It created its own forms. Most of the

traditional theatre forms are the result of this phenomenon. Hence there are clear resemblance

among the members of the 'Traditional Theatre Family' like Ankhia Nata (Assam), Jathra (Bengal),

Chau (Bihar, Bengal), Prahlada Nata (Orissa), Veedhinatakam & Chindu (Andhra), Terukoothu

Bhagawathamela (Tamil Nadu), Kathakkali (Kerala). Yet there are major differences also.

Yakshagana is a member of this group and so its origin is connected with a wider historical

situation.

Experts have placed the origin of Yakshagana from the 11th Century to the 16th Century. Earliest

limit is fixed by a finding by Vidwan Bannanje Govindacharya who says a legend goes to show that

Sage Narahari Thirtha (c, 1300) started a Dasavathara Ata performance and a troupe in Udupi and

later this spread to other places and grew into what we call Yakshagana today.

Anyway, Yakshagana must have been an established form by the time of famous Yakshagana

poet Parthisubba (1600) who wrote the Ramayana in Yakshagana. Because he is said to be a

Bhagawatha (singer) himself and is believed to have founded a troupe, and probably he is the

formulator of the Tenkuthittu (Southern style) of the art.

Troupe centers like Koodlu and Kumbla in Kasaragod District, and Amritheshwari, Kota near

Kundapur claim having a troupe three to four centuries ago. So we can safely assume that this art

form had taken shape by about 1500. However, what we see today as Yakshagana, must have

been the result of a slow evolution, drawing its elements from ritual theatre, temple arts, secular arts

like Bahurupi, royal courts of the time and artists imaginations – all interwoven over period.

Page 9: YAKSHAGANA COSTUME MAKING, UDUPI

6

YAKSHAG

ANATraditional Backdrop

Yakshagana must have been an established form by the time of famous Yakshagana poet Parthi

Subba (1600) to whom Ramayana in Yakshagana is attributed. Shivarama Karantha in his research

work argues that it is Subba son of Venkata who is its author, rejecting claims by Muliya Thimmappa

and Govinda Pai citing procedural lapses in their findings. Because he is said to be a Bhagawatha

(singer) himself and is believed to have founded a troupe, and probably he is the formulator of the

Tenkuthittu (Southern style) of the art. Troupe centers like Koodlu and Kumbala in Kasaragod District,

and Amritheshwari, Kota near Kundapur claim having a troupe three to four centuries ago. So we

can safely assume that this art form had taken shape by about 1500. However, what we see today

as Yakshagana, must have been the result of a slow evolution, drawing its elements from ritual

theater, temple arts, secular arts like Bahurupi, royal courts of the time and artists imaginations – all

interwoven over period.

. However, Yakshagana can be rightly called a traditional form. Primarily it is a name given to the

form prevailing in Coastal and Malnad areas of Karnataka, though forms like Doddata are also

called by the same name often. The traditional theater form Mudalpaya of Southern Karnataka,

theDoddata of Northern Karnataka, the Kelike in the borders of Andhra Pradesh,

the Ghattadakore of Kollegal in Chamarajnagar district – are such forms. Among them,

the Ghattadakore is a direct branch of Coastal Yakshagana, whileMudalapaya is the most closely

connected form.

Page 10: YAKSHAGANA COSTUME MAKING, UDUPI

7

YAKSHAG

ANACultural Dependence

It is related with other forms prevailing in other parts of Karnataka and neighboring states of AndhraPradesh, Kerala, Tamilnadu and Maharastra. Yakshagana, like many other forms, defies neat classification into categories like folk, classical, rural. It can be included into each of these, or all of them together, depending upon our line of approach. Being a theater form, unlike a dance form, it is more plural and dynamic. And hence it exhibits many types and varieties inside itself.

Page 11: YAKSHAGANA COSTUME MAKING, UDUPI

8

YAKSHAG

ANACrafts Practicing Geographical Area

With the socio-economic changes of the 19th century, arts like Yakshagana also changed. The

19th century produced a big number of compositions. Around 1800, a troupe from Dharmastala

visited the court of the king of Mysore and established a troupe there. In the 1840s, a troupe (Karki

Hasyagar Mela) from Uttara Kannada (North Kanara) visited Maharastra, and inspired the first

modern age mythological drama by Vishudas Bhave. A number of troupes arose all over the

Coastal Karnataka and probably in other parts of Karnataka too. By the early decades of this

century the structure of Yakshagana reached a definite shape and form.

Outside India

Yakshagana is finding new grounds outside India. Amateur troupes have emerged on the coasts of

California, USA and Ontario, Canada. "Yakshagana Kalavrinda" and Yaksharanga in the USA and

Yakshamitra in Canada are a few examples. Yakshamitra performs in Toronto, Canada and is first

to use local live music (Himmela) for their performance. "Yakshagana Kalavrinda" performs on the

east coast of USA. Yakshagana in the USA started after the visit of Yakshagana artist Sri Chittani

Ramachandra Hegde. His performance at the age of 74 was so inspiring that art lovers decided to

continue this great art thousands of miles away from its home. Sri Kidayuru Ganesh who

accompanied Sri Chittani stayed back for couple of months to train new generation of

Yakshagana artists. The result was a performance of Yakshagana “Sudanvarjuna Kalaga” with

participation from local enthusiasts. Since then Yaksharanga has performed many shows around

California. These troupes usually use a recorded background Yakshagana music(Himmela) for their

performances. Other amateur troop outside of India is "Yakshamitra" in Toronto, "Canada".

Another Yakshagana Troupe "Shri Idagunji Mahaganapati Yakshagana Mandali, Keremane

headed by Shri Keremane Shambhu Hegde and Shri Keremane Shivanand Hegde toured USA and

performed about 22 programs all over North America. The troupe visited about 12 countries and

celebrated 75 years in history of Yakshagana.

Page 12: YAKSHAGANA COSTUME MAKING, UDUPI

9

YAKSHAG

ANAGrowth And Changes

With the socio-economic changes of the 19th Century, arts like Yakshagana also changed. The

19th Century produced a big number of compositions. Around 1800, a troupe from Dharmastala

visited the court of the king of Mysore and established a troupe there. In the 1840s, a troupe from

Uttara Kannada (North Kanara) visited Maharastra, and inspired the first modern age mythological

drama by Vishudas Bhave. A number of troupes arose all over the Coastal Karnataka and probably

in other parts of Karnataka too. By the early decades of this Century the structure of Yakshagana

reached a definite shape and form.

1930s saw some changes in compositions, organisations and presentation. Dance and the spoken

word was further developed and refined. But in costume, a type of degeneration started setting in

due to the use of 'modern' clothing and stone jewellery, in place of handloom clothing and

wooden ornaments.

The Year 1950 saw the birth of 'tent' troupes, giving performances to audience by tickets, with 'tent

theatres' and furniture for seating. These troupes brought in commercialisation of Yakshagana, with

both merits and demerits. Yakshagana saw major changes in form and organisation, electrical

lights replaced the 'gas lights' or 'petromax' lamps. Seating arrangements improved. Major changes

came in the themes, with the inclusion of folk epics, Sanskrit dramas and created (imaginary) stories

forming the thematic base. Popular entertainment became the criterion in place of 'classical'

presentation.

Page 13: YAKSHAGANA COSTUME MAKING, UDUPI

10

YAKSHAG

ANA

Tulu, the language of the Southern part of the D.K. district was introduced on the stage, where

hitherto only Kannada was used. This gained great popularity. All these trends continued with

added vigour after 1970s, with a new element of influence. Noted writer, Late Dr. Kota Shivaram

Karanth experimented with the dance form by introducing Western musical instruments.

He also reduced the time of a Yakshagana performance from 12 hours to two and half hours, for

the convenience of city dwellers. Another trend that has emerged in modern Yakshagana is the

incorporation of movie stories. The best example is the prasanga titled "Nagavalli" which has been

inspired by the Kannada movie, "Aaptamitra." Though it has been derided the purists, these

prasanga are quite popular among people.

The North Kanara style of Yakshagana hitherto not know outside, started making a big impact on

other styles. This trend continues even today.Along with all these, the traditional type of troupes,

giving free shows financed by devotees still continue and have a very good support.

Page 14: YAKSHAGANA COSTUME MAKING, UDUPI

11

YAKSHAG

ANAThe Troupes

Yakshagana is one of the most living art traditions in the World. There are about 30 full fledged

professional troupes, and about 200 amateur troupes in Yakshagana. Professional troupes go on

tour between November to May, giving about 180-200 shows that is, a full night show everyday!

There are about one thousand professional artists and much bigger number of amateurs. Further

there are off season shows during the wet season, the anniversary shows, school and college

students Yakshagana and of course the Talamaddale performances. All put together, we safely

say that Karnataka witnesses about 12,000 Yakshagana performances every year!Yakshagana has

not so far shown signs of quantity decline, in spite of very fast 'modernisation' and 'urbanisation'.

Page 15: YAKSHAGANA COSTUME MAKING, UDUPI

Yakshagna costumes are

rich in color and is

predominated by red. The

costumes or Vesha in

Kannada depends on

characters depicted in

the play or prasanga

YAKSHAGANA

COSTUMES;

ORNAMENTS;

MAKE-UP

Page 16: YAKSHAGANA COSTUME MAKING, UDUPI

13

YAKSHAG

ANACostumes; Ornaments; Make-up

Yakshagna costumes are rich in color and is predominated by red. The costumes or Vesha in

Kannada depends on characters depicted in the play or prasanga. It also depends on

Yakshagana style or tittu.

ORNAMENTS

Badagutittu Yakshagana Ornaments are made out of light wood, mirror work, colored stones.

Though lighter materials like thermocol are used in modern days ornaments are still predominated

by wood work.

Bedagu tittu costumes consist of head gear (Kireeta or Pagade), Kavacha that decorates chest,

Buja Keerthi (armlets) that decorates shoulder and belts (Dabu) all made up of light wood and

covered with golden foil. Mirror works on these ornaments helps to reflect light during show and

adds more color to costumes. These armaments are worn on a vest and covers upper half of the

body. Lower half is covered with Dhoti that comes in a unique combination of red, black and

orange checks. Bulkey pads (cloths) are used under Dhoti and this makes character different from

general audience in size.

Tenku tittu ornaments consists of relatively less wood. Ornaments are made out of padded cloths

and thermocol. The vest is much longer and covers considerable portion of lower body.

Ornaments consists of 'Bhujakeerthi' worn for the elbow and looks like colourful shining wings. Its

surface is plain in 'Mudalapaya' and it is rough, thorn-like in Paduvalapaya. Besides the heavy

armlets and anklets, intricately designed 'Edehara' (chest ornament made of wood and pasted

with paper and glass pieces) and 'Veeragase' (a piece of designed ornament tied around and

flowing beneath the waist) are the other ornaments worn by the artistes.

Page 17: YAKSHAGANA COSTUME MAKING, UDUPI

14

YAKSHAG

ANA

HEADGEARS

Headgears have a wide array of crowns. The selection of the headgear commensurate with the

role represented by the artistes. The less important characters wear simple turbans of cloth.

'Mundasu' is a heavily set headgear, which gives a rich look to the character. It is broader in the

middle which tapers as it proceeds upwards and appears like a lotus leaf. Since the Mundasu is

heavy, it requires talent and prowess to wear it and dance.

Female costuming is simple and matches with the contemporary style but does not match with the

psychedelic and gorgeous costumes of male roles.

MAKE-UP AND COSTUMES

The makeup of Yakshagana is rich and closely related to the ornamentation found in the

sculptures. The male characters, such as the hero, the king, the ministers and the prince have a fine

'Mukuta' (crown); all royal characters have a bow and an arrow in their hands. The headdress of

the wild characters like 'Dhiroddhatas' is an arch-like headdress. The female dress for 'Chandi', 'Kali'

and so on is, lion's teeth, blood red artificial tongue drawn out and lengthy hair at the back. All the

actors wear trousers/ pajamas to enable them to dance and over it they wear a 'saree' that is tied

in the form of 'Kaccha' with ornaments. The faces of kings and princes are painted rosy pink, 'Yama'

face is black, Lord Krishna and Vishnu are blue. The face make-up used is made of vegetable die.

The splendor of Yakshagana lies with the unusual costumes and make-up of the artistes. The

smooth flow of heavy and gorgeous costumes testify to the stimulating power of this audiovisual

medium.

The facial make up varies from simple to intricate designs depending upon the roles they play. Motif

on the face varies for hero, demon and female characters. Demonical make-up is heavy with

artificial eyelids and white dots are liberally applied to portray the ferocious and violent nature of

the demons.

The traditional costume consists of a dhoti, a pajama, a jacket and a loose gown. Depending upon

the characters, they increase the girth of the body with sheets of colorful cloth and sarees tied

around. In Yakshagana, it is customary for males to perform even the role of females.

Page 18: YAKSHAGANA COSTUME MAKING, UDUPI

Yakshagana Kala Kendra

Yakshagana Kendra, one of the cultural wings of the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial College at

Udupi, established in 1971, is a training centre imparting professional training in Yakshagana dance

and music to young learners who get trained in the traditional gurukula system, the learners living

with their teachers under the same roof in the school.

The learners are provided free food and accommodation. The pupils, after successful completion

of the training, which may last for 2 years, are readily absorbed into professional melas well-

established in the Coastal districts. The training, along with free boarding and loading, is provided

to the learners with resources partly provided by the state and central governments, partly by the

college management and the rest is raised by donations from philanthropic individuals and

institutions.

15

YAKSHAG

ANA

Page 19: YAKSHAGANA COSTUME MAKING, UDUPI

16

YAKSHAG

ANA

RAVAN HIDIMBA

STRI VESH

PUNDU

LION MUNDASU

DEMONS (MALE AND FEMALE)

KING

ESHWAR/ DHRONA

The Look Of Different Characters Of A

Yakshagana Performance.

These Photographs Were Kept In The

„‟Yakshagana Kala Kendra” In Upudi.

Page 20: YAKSHAGANA COSTUME MAKING, UDUPI

17

YAKSHAG

ANA

vaddanam

daabu

kychina

Yakshaganasari

koraladdi

kedhage