Potpourri on stage
Folk theatre is a fusion of music, dance, drama, and stylised speech. It has its roots in the local identity and culture. This form of theatre reflects the socio-political realities of its time.
India has a long, rich history of folk theatre. Between the 15th and 19th centuries, actors and dancers were given special places of distinction in the courts of several Indian kings.
The tamasha folk theatre was patronised by the powerful Peshwas of the Maratha kingdom. While in Kerala the Koodiyattam flourished. The popular all-night Yakshagana started four centuries ago. Most of these forms, like Swang and Bhand Paather are centred around music. Some of them, like the therukoothu and Jatra, convey a social theme.
Can you find the names of these folk theatre forms in this grid?