![]() In a pluralistic society like ours which is culturally so diverse, and a civilization that is as antique as the world, it is very hard to define what is quintessentially Indian. Theatre culture in various parts of the country specially the quality of plays, scripts and acting showcased in Bengali theatre, Kannada Theatre, Malayalam theatre and Tamil theatre are indeed one of the best in the country. Apart from them Marathi drama and theatre and Gujarati theatre have also contributed significantly towards the betterment of the theatre culture in India. ![]() The traditional Indian theatre forms, with predominance in dance and songs, like Yakshagana, Swang, Nautanki and Tamasha have made a tremendous impact on the advancement of theatre in India. The word 'Natya' is used for both Dance and Drama. In a Bharatnatyam concept, a varnam contains everything that theatre and dance all over the world strive for. It has grace and technique. It has power, it has emotions, dramatic tension, beauty, and most definitely it has style. A Rasika who has the capacity to enjoy this experience is truly a traditionalist in the best sense of the word. It is absolutely vital to have tradition and continuity. The radical theatre of today is in all likelihood to become the traditional theatre of tomorrow. Some of the most powerful works in the field of Indian drama are from radicals like Rabindranath Tagore, Badal Sircar and Vijay Tendulkar. Tagore was among the first of the 20th Century dramatists to put the focus on the caste system and inequality through his plays. One can have roots, and roots can grow into flowering trees. And on those trees are birds ready to spread their wings and fly. That is the completeness of life and its representative called theatre. |