YAKSHAGANA
Yakshagana was evolved centuries ago as a theatre art and education to rural mass of India. It is a traditional dance drama and is a classical folk art form of the state Karnataka in India. It is a great mix of drama , dance, music and is a complete art that uses natural and original expressions through body and dialogues along with spectacular musical backgrounds. The tradition of presenting a narrative through mime, gesture, dance, choreography, song, décor and music as a single Dance-Drama has its roots in Natya Shastra. Every movement of Yakshagana is divine, glamorous and graceful. Abhinaya (dance, gestures and actions) is an important aspect of this style. Depending upon the song, actors compose appropriate dance movements followed by impromptu dialogues. This requires talent, imagination and experience. This is improvised and perfected through continuous practice. Yakshagana has attracted people from all walks of life and all sections of the society irrespective of caste and religion. It is a befitting response for a form of art that upholds humanitarian values. Protected by years in remote villages of Karnataka, it is also
now taking good shapes in modern world and there are many traditional and professional people started contributing to this great art in various part of the world in different forms. Yakshagna has many forms like Badagutittu, Badabadagutittu, Tenkutittu. The performing troupe is called Mela or Mandali which is a traditional repertory and travels from place to place.
THE TROUPE(Commonly known as KEREMANE MELA or IDAGUNJI MELA)
Sri Idagunji Mahaganapathi Yakshagana Mandali Keremane ® is established in 1934 by Late Sri Keremane Shivarama Hegde and has steadily grown over the years under Late Sri Keremane Shambhu Hegde. Representing more of Badabadagutittu style of Yakshagana, the troupe is striding towards the new goals under the dynamic leadership of Sri Keremane Shivanand Hegde. The troupe has completed 75 years and celebrated Diamond Jubilee in Year 2010. The troupe since its inception has been enacting the episodes of Indian Epics: Ramayana and Mahabharata. Read More...