Indian Sanskrit Theatre

Indian Sanskrit Theatre is a very poetic form of theatre performed by the Hindu. It is based on their spiritual beliefs and combimes many art forms such as dance, sanskrit chanting, art and song with stories that give meaning to the elements on which their faith derives from. To understand it, one must understand some of the cultural beliefs and rituals. The time that this form began can not be pin pointed, but is evident in the origin of the Hindu trinity. The Hindu Trinity is made up of Lord Vishnu , Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma. The first and most supreme is Lord Brahma, as he symbolizes the Ultimate Being that brings forth creation. He is literally known as "The Creator of The Universe" in Hindu culture. He is consorted by a Goddess names Saraswait who is said to be the Goddess of learning and knowledge. She provides Brahma with the knowledge he needs to create. Hindu images, like the ones shown here, depicit Brahma as having a bearded four faced head and four arms. The four faces represent the sacred knowledge of the four Vedas, while the arms carry different meanings. The Vedas Written in the oral tradition and vedic, (an early form of Sanskrit language), they are the oldest texts in Hindu literature. They began with the original three which made up Trayi Vidya, "Threefold Knowledge". The three were:

• The Rig Veda - Divine Hymns. This was the oldest and most important, was written with worshiping the Gods as the main theme.



• The Sama Veda- Musical Chants used for agricultural rights.



• The Yajur Veda- Chants used for sacrificial rituals.

The fourth was added during the vedic period.

• The Atharva Veda- dealing with practical incantations for every day life.

The Arms of Brahma These arms represent the four directions of the universe.

• The upper right hand- Rosary symbolizing the time cycle that the world goes through.



• Upper Left- a book symbolizing knowledge



• Lower Left- Kamandalu (A water pot) representing energy needed to create the universe



• Lower Right hand is bestowing grace to protect us all.

Understanding this portion of the Hindu culture was very important to me, so I took the liberty to further investigate outside of written documentation by interviewing an Indian friend. Shirish Lala, a professor of mine at Daytona State College, was kind enough to talk to me about his culture. He explained to me that because the Hindu culture's values and beliefs date back to the creation of the universe, they offer many praises to the God's of the elements, being Earth, Fire, Wind and Water. This is evident in Sanskrit Theatre as they make aknowledgements of all of the materials they are using and where they were derived from. This means that each item they include in the production corrolates with the meaning that the element portrays. For example, a fierce character might wear rubies, colors of gold and orange and have heat like flames around him. This would make him more intimidating, like the sun, which corrolates with the element fire.

Now that we have an understanding of the foundation and beliefs behined the development of Sanskrit theatre, let's discuss how it has evolved and is portrayed today.

A recording of our interview.

The Natyasastra, or the "Authorative text on theatre" is a book that holds the codes of performance for sanskrit productions. It contains the fundamental facts about all art forms used in productions. It gives guidelines for the areas of performance such as acting, costuming, make-up, props, dance, music poetic compesition, play construction, grammar, audiences... etc. It explains that most traditional performances are done with music accompaniment and dancing. It introduces a theory to its performers called Rasa.

Rasa is an idea that many different moods and feelings such as love, mirth, sadness, wrath, vigor and marvel should all be blended together for one productions. However, it is key that one common mood should dominate and serve as the meaning or moral value behined the performance. According to the Natyasastra, this common mood should dictate the setting, the audience, and how the production should be delivered. For example, if the sanskrit play was about a poor man without a home who prays to the God that controls his wealth, the audience may sit out doors or in a small room with dim lighting. The combination of the other moods may be portrayed through the other characters and their costumes or actions, such as a wealthy man being of large, robust physique wearing gems and havine very dominant make-up. This could make us despise him and feel empathy for the poor man.

This video depicts the time and art that goes into putting on the costumes and becoming the characters. It focuses on the use of all elements.

The actors, according to Natyasastra, are trained to perform through movements and dance that are relevant to their characters. Their body parts are broken down (eyes, limbs, head) and are observed individualy to be sure that the correct message is being delivered. Observe this video of dancers. Would you condider their movements to be warrior like? Their costumes are minimal, making them appear to be natural and of the element earth. See the full circle?

Sanskrit Today Over time, Sanskrit remained a dominant precense in the arts of India, but has faded as new trends have taken over.

The Kutiyattam and Kathakali

Kutiyattam is the direct descent of Sanskrit theatre. It is the latest form that is taught in schools and handed down to generations for the base of plays. It is derived from RASA and the Natyasastra. The Kathakali on the other hand is comparable to our American musicals. It focuses on dance and song and visual appeal for the audience. It is very common to be found in the Bollywood culture in India

Please see the following examples that I found insightful