The puppets are made of light wood and, like the Kathputli of Rajasthan, have no legs but long flowing skirts. However, they have more joints as the hands and torso are also made of wood. Figures representing major characters have joints at their neck, shoulders, and elbows as well. Five to seven strings attached to the puppet are usually tied to a triangular wooden prop. Orissa temple sculptures and pothi chitras that are drawings in palm-leaf manuscripts have inspired the conception of most puppets. The costumes, music, and style of presentation are somewhat similar to those of the Yatra, operatic in character, where singing dominates over prose dialogue. The puppeteers' prose dialogues are often impromptu. The music admirably blends folk with sophisticated Odissi, the singing style close to that of the traditional Chhanda form. This article is a stub. You can enrich by adding more information to it. Send your Write Up to content@indianetzone.com |