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Balamani Ammal was the citizen of early twentieth century. She hailed in Tamil as the `queen of theatre`. She was the first woman to run a company, comprising only women. Balamani Ammal was born into a Devadasi family. Balamani Ammal formed the troupe on her own. She and her sister Rajambal ran it almost as an asylum for women who needed shelter and security. Balamani Ammal became the most popular actress in the Kumbakonam region of Thanjavur district. The story goes that `Balamani Special` trains from Tiruchchirappalli and Mayavaram in Thanjavur district would stop at Kumbakonam during performance timings, to meet the demands of her fans. The company was the first to dramatize a Tamil novel, J. R. Rangaraju`s detective bestseller, Rajambal. Balamani was also the first to introduce Petromax pressure lamps in that area as against the oil lamps normally used. Balamani Ammal`s death was tragic, with no money left even for her final rites. Theatre historians have yet to properly recognize contribution of Balamani Ammal to Tamil theatre.
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Recently Updated Articles in Indian Drama & Theatre |
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- Element of Dance
Dancing is an integral part of Indian theatre. Dancing is a traditional art and the position of hands, feet, waist, thighs, back, abdomen and chest are very important in dance.
- Angikabhinaya
Angikabhinaya or Art of Histrionics deals with the gestures or action with limbs. It is expressed in three ways, anga, pratyanga and upanga. The mention about Angikabhinaya can be found in the Natyashastra.
- Pusta
Pusta signifies the model work in Indian theatre. In Pusta it is described how items are prepared for representing different scenes.
- Sanjiva
Sanjiva or living creature is an aspect of aharyabhinaya in Indian theatre. It signifies the appearance of animals on the stage and deals with the preparation of artificial animal forms for the stage.
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