Folk Theatre in Maharashtra is alive because of good writers, innovative directors and an appreciative audience, which is open to changes. The craze for theatre and the eagerness to experiment with its content has remained untouched in Maharashtra, while most other regional theatres have either died their respective deaths, are sinking or are completely dependent on adaptations and translations from other languages.
India has a longest and richest tradition in theatre going back to at least 5000 years. The origin of Indian theatre is closely related to ancient rituals and seasonal festivities of the country.
Types of Folk Theatre in Maharashtra
Folk Theatre in Maharashtra is considered an art form that keeps the basic elements of a drama intact, while taking on the stories and flavours of the region its stems from. The different types of Folk Theatre in Maharashtra are as follows;
Tamasha: Tamasha is a traditional folk theatre form of Maharashtra. It emerged in the 16th century and has evolved from the folk forms such as Gondhal, Jagran and Kirtan. Unlike other theatre forms, in Tamasha the female actress is the chief exponent of dance movements in the play. She is known as "Murki". Classical music, footwork at lightning-speed, and vivid gestures make it possible to portray all the emotions through dance. The themes of Tamasha have been used in some Marathi films also.
Gondhal: Gondhal in Maharashtra is the dramatic narration of mythological stories, hero-lauds and folk legends. During festive occasions in houses like marriages, Upanayanas, etc. The presenter of Gondhal is called "Gondhali".
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