Yakshagana

Introduction

Yakshagana is a traditional theatre, developed in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Uttara Kannada, Shimoga and western parts of Chikmagalur districts, in the state of Karnataka and in Kasaragod district in Kerala that combines dance, music, dialogue, costume, make-up and stage techniques with a unique style and form. It is sometimes simply called ‘Aata’ or ‘āṭa’ (meaning ‘the play’). This theatre style is mainly found in coastal regions of Karnataka.

Towards the south from Dakshina Kannada to Kasaragod of Tulu Nadu region, the form of Yakshagana is called Thenku Thittu and towards the north from Udupi up to Uttara Kannada it is called Badagu Thittu. Yakshagana is traditionally presented from dusk to dawn. Its stories are drawn from Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavata and other epics from both Hindu, Jain and other ancient Indic traditions.

The course is designed in a progressive method. The content and the steps are listed below:

• Introduction: The first step deals with a brief introduction of the Thenku Thittu Yakshagana and the differences between Thenku and Badagu Thittu.
• Basic movement: The next step is to teach the basic movements of Thenku Thittu Yakshagana.
• Pravesha: The entry of different characters will be different and there are several variations in the entries. This will be taught to students.
• Performance: The final part of the course is the performance. A Prasanga will be chosen and taught to the participants and they will perform the same in front of a live audience.

Need Analysis and Justification

The target public is students, teaching & non-teaching staff members of Nitte DU.

There is an enthusiasm in people to learn Yakshagana. Since, at present, there is no institution/university providing such a course, Nitte DU can spearhead the Certificate/Value Added Course in Yakshagana.

Course Objectives

(Specific, measurable, relevant and achievable targets for the participants)

At the end of the course, participants will be able to:

CO 1. Gain basic understanding of Thenku Thittu Yakshagana.

CO 2. Perform basic movements.

CO 3. Understand speech/dialogue, rhythm, entry and improvisation skills.

Course Duration

The planned duration of the course is 32 hours. Each class will take place for two hours (120 minutes), so 16 classes. 3 extra classes may be taken if required.

Course Activities

Teaching can take place in two languages either English or Kannada, depending on the audience. The total classes can be roughly classified into 80% practical, 20% theory and the rest of it is practice and performance.

The course plan is:

Class 1st & 2nd            :Thenku Thitttu Yakshagana - An Introduction
Class 3rd                        :Dhingina
Class 4th                        :Revision
Class 5th                        :Dhingina, kitataka, tarikita kitataka
Class 6th & 7th              :Practice
Class 8th                        :Dhingina, kitataka front and back+turning
Class 9th                        :Movements
Class 9th                        :Pravesha steps
Class 10th                      :Pravesha nade in full form
Class 11th & 12th         :Revision
Class 13th                      :Eripada, ettugade, eripada steps
Class 14th to 20th        :Practice and Assessment
Class 21st to 35th        :Tala introduction. Slow talas and Yakshagana Prasanga practice (Abhinaya+ Presentation)

Course completion requirements

The student is said to be qualified for a Certificate only if he/she gets a minimum of 65 out of 100. The categorization of the assessment and scores are given in the table below.

Course Coordinator and Faculty

1. Course Coordinator: Prakash K, prakash.k@nitte.edu.in, +91 8904817944
2. Course Instructor: Ramachandra Yellur

Suggested Reading/Resources

1. Arthayana: Yakshagana Talamaddale Arthagarike: Ondu Vishleshane: Dr. Ramananda Banari
2. Koralara: Yakshagana Vimarsha Sankalana: Dr. M Prabhakara Joshi
3. Vaagartha Gawrava:(Dr. Joshi Abhinandana Guchaha): Ga. Na. Bhat