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ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES

Bhasabharathi has been attracting theatre artists, researchers, scholars and contemporary dancers from different parts of the world. In order to familiarize with the theory and practice of folk theatre, Bhasabharathi is offering short-term courses in Indian theatre with emphasis on classical and folk theatre and in Mohiniattam. The duration of the course will be for a period of one month, during which the participants will be given intense training in body movements, martial arts and vocalization. The course is intended to give experience in theatre through practice. The medium of communication will be English.

The faculty consists of experienced practitioners in various disciplines of theatre who have proved their efficiency. They are professionally trained and have rich experience in the performing arts. The faculty dealing with theatre theories consists of eminent scholars and men of letters.

This course is an ongoing programme and commences on 1St of every month.


COURSES OFFERED
  • Indian Theatre - Theory & Practice
  • Short Term course in Mohiniattam
  • Research & Training in Sopana Sangitam

COURSE SYLLABUS

I. Indian Theatre - Theory & Practice

Theory

Aimed at a holistic and comprehensive understanding of Bharata's Natya Sastra, the basic text of Indian histrionics, Sanskrit drama and traditional Kerala performing arts.
(The above items will be dealt with in special classes by experts.)

Practice

  1. Acting through body movements ( Aangika)
    • Dance (practiced as an applied discipline in theatre)
    • Kalari (Martial training)
  2. Expressing through speech (Vaachika)

    • Voice training
    • Music lessons comprising of Vedic chanting, vocalization of rhythms, intonations, textual rendering in Sanskrit, classical music etc.

  3. Practice of bringing out the emotions (Saatvika - mental acting) Synchronising vocal with rhythm and movement and creating the emotive thrust.


  4. Training in classical and folk instruments & their application in movements (Vaadya)


  5. Exposure to the make - up and costumes in the traditional art forms like Kathakali, Koodiyattam and Folk arts. (Aaharya)


  6. An exposure to Stage Decoration (Nepadhya)


  7. Enactment (Prayoga - rehearsals) of excerpts from famous Sanskrit texts and folk plays.


  8. To keep body and mind under control YOGA practice is also included as part of the curriculum.


  9. In order to get an understanding of the Indian /Kerala performing arts, it is suggested that the applicants before joining the course may read the following books.
1 . Indian Theatre edited by M/s. Farley Richmond, Darius. L. Swann & Philip. B. Zarrilli (Published by University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu)
2 . Folklore of Kerala by Kavalam Narayana Panikkar (Published by National Book Trust, New Delhi)

For more information on Kerala classical/ folk arts kindly visit the following sites:

http://www.kalakeralam.com
http://www.keralasangeethanatakaakademi.org

II. Short term course in MOHINIATTAM
The term Mohiniattam means the dance of the enchantress. It is the traditional women's dance of Kerala. It is lyrical in content having highly graceful movements, unique techniques of acting and variety of choreography patterns. The Dance is said the indigenous style of the singing which is known as Sopana Sangeetam which is noted for its rich and rare rhythm patterns.

The speciality of the dance is its swaying movement which keeps well with the musical style. The basics of the form will be taught during the proposed short term course.
III. Research & Training in Sopana Sangitam

Sopana Sangitam is the regional music of Kerala, which is performed at the sanctum sanctorum of the temples. Its name has been derived from ‘SOPANAM’, the steps that lead to the sanctum and the music sung at this place has assumed this name. The programme is designed to revive, preserve and propagate this musical system in its entirety by incorporating all the elements which remain dormant in the regional tradition as available with the surviving old temple artists and also in the text books.