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Home , Kannada, Yakshagana

IKN: 24 : A REPORT

Yakshagana is a traditional form originated in Dakshin and Uttar Kannada districts of and it is one of the most popular forms of theatre in Karnataka. It is noted for its music, colourful costumes, vigorous dance movements, subtle expressions and extempore dialogues. Yakshagana has two main variations, each of which has many variations: Moodalapaya (the eastern form which is popular in ) and Paduvalapaya (western style also known as coastal Yakshagana). Of the two, the coastal Yakshagana is more popular for the great sophistication that it has achieved over the years by the efforts of artists, thinkers and researchers. It is more exuberant and refined when compared to all the other styles. On July 17th, 2019, Christ (Deemed to be University) witnessed a buoyant Yakshagana performance which was performed in the main auditorium of the University. The performance titled Hidimba Vivaaha was an episode from . The story revolves around Hidimba and Hidimbasura who were the demons of the forest where Pandavas took refuge after the fire at the Palace of Wax. Hidimba is sent out on a quest by her brother, Hidimbasura to look for the humans who have entered their forest. Hidimba sees Bheema protecting his family and falls in lov e with him as he is a man of power. She takes on a mayawi form and tries to express her love for Bheema. But he rejects Hidimba instantly but at the end, he kills Hidimasura and ends up in a moral dilemma where he has to marry Hidimba. The script adds up a few proximal elements in the performance to create humour and it was a combination of the two forms of Yakshagana namely Badagutittu and Tenkutittu which come from both the corners of Karnataka, and the play was directed by Shankar Valakuduru who is an experienced Yakshagana artist and has trained and directed a lot of performances since 2005 at CHRIST. The performance which was a result of a month of hardwork and preparation, resulted into an auditorium full of a diverse crowd cheering for them and enjoying the act. Through its distinct costume, live folk music, humour and an exuberatant expression of the story, the team made sure that everybody in the audience took a part of the Karnataka culture home and also ensured a rejuvenation of this beautiful art -form in an era of western and pop culture. The Registrar, Dr. Anil Pinto expressed his joy to be the Guest of Honour and appreciated the faculty of Kannada Dr. Shivaprasad Y S and Dr. Rathi M T for their enormous effort towards the success of the program.

Report: Dr.Shivaprasad Y S Department of