About the Program
About Yakshagana :
Yakshagana is an ancient form of Folk theatre - a dance drama predominant and typical to
coastal Karnataka, traditionally performed in the open air. This artform is also known as
Bayalata which would mean a field play.
Yakshagana is a nifghty amalgamation of song, dance and drama with flamboyantly
costumed characters often war like, valiant and passionate, reveling in all their finery.
There are a few variations in Yakshagana :
Tenkutittu - The himmela in the tenkutittu style is more cohesive to the entire
production. Rhythms of the chande and maddale coupled with the chakrataalaand jaagate of the bhaagavatha create an excellent symphonic sound. The dance form in tenkutittu strikes the attention of the audience by ‘Dheengina’; or ‘Guttu’.Performers often do dhiginas (jumping spins in the air) and will continuously spin (sometimes) hundreds of times. Tenkutittu is noted for its incredible dance steps; its high flying dance moves; and its extravagant rakshasas (demons). Tenkutittu has remained a popular form and has its own audience outside the coastal areas. The dharmasthala and kateelu durgaparameshwari melas (the two most popular melas) have helped to popularize this form.
Badagutittu- The Badagutittu style is prevalent in North Canara (Uttara Kannada
District) and the northern parts of South Canara from Kundapura to Byndoor, The
Badagutittu school of Yakshagana places more emphasis on facial expressions, matugarike (dialogues), and dances appropriate for the character depicted in the episode. It makes use of a typical Karnataka chande.
Badabadgutittu
Content for the programs
Experience - Yakshagana (Basic)
Deeper understanding of Yakshagana in the space of performing arts in India and Globally. Career curve as an artist
Yakshagana is one of the few traditional artforms that is alive in India. It becomes our responsibility to understand about our artform - its roots, origin and present state. It would be a matter of pride for us to know more and spread knowledge about our artform. This course will help you navigate and get an experience of Yakshagana, understanding the life of an artist practicing this art form and how this art form has played a significant role in bringing a positive impact in communities.
Enrolling for this course would enable you to get a sneak a peek into :
Origin & History of Yakshagana
Rituals and Methods involved in the artform
Basics of yakshagana
Experience a play (online)
Brief introduction to Make up and costume of yakshagana
To get acquainted / master the art of dance and theatre in traditional artform like Yakshagana (Advance)
Mastering a traditional artform has great benefits on your mind, health and body. It also helps you in contributing to keep the artform alive. This course will help you master the skills required to become a yakshagana artist.
Enrolling in this course would help you learn :
Basics of Tala in yakshagana
Poorvaranga - Introduction
Deeper understanding of Makeup and Costume
End of course presentation of the learning
Complete the course and get a beginner level certification in Yakshagana
Your Instructor
Priyanka
Born into the family of artists, Priyanka started learning Bharatanatyam and Yakshagana from a very young age. She is a recipient of a senior and junior scholarship for dance and folk theatre from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. She has received several accolades for her contribution to art. She has the credit of being the first female teacher in a male-dominated art form Yakshagana.
