Classical TheatreWhat Is the Natya Shastra?
The ancient treatise that gave Indian theatre its grammar: what the Natya Shastra is, who Bharata Muni was, and why…
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Deep dives, histories, profiles, and essays on the art and soul of Indian theater.
Classical Theatre
Classical TheatreWhat Is Koodiyattam, the UNESCO Sanskrit Theatre?
Perhaps two thousand years old and honoured by UNESCO, Koodiyattam is Kerala's stately Sanskrit theatre of eye-acting and sacred drums.
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Classical TheatreWhat Are the Navarasa, the Nine Rasas?
Love, laughter, wonder, peace and more: a clear guide to the navarasa, the nine emotional flavours that shape Indian performance.
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Classical Theatre
Rasa vs Bhava in the Natya Shastra, Explained
One is what the actor portrays, the other is what the audience tastes. A simple explanation of rasa and bhava,…
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Folk TheatreNautanki vs Tamasha: What Is the Difference?
Two of India's most beloved folk theatres, side by side: where they come from, how they sound, and what sets…
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Modern TheatreHabib Tanvir and Why Naya Theatre Was Revolutionary
Habib Tanvir tore down the wall between folk and modern theatre, building Naya Theatre around Chhattisgarhi performers and their own…
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Stage to ScreenZohra Sehgal: A Century of Theatre, Dance, and Joy
Dancer, stage actor, and screen presence into her nineties, Zohra Sehgal spent nearly a century in performance, from Uday Shankar's…
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Stage to ScreenUtpal Dutt: The Political Theatre Giant Who Could Also Make You Laugh
A titan of Bengali political theatre and a master of comedy, Utpal Dutt moved from revolutionary stage plays to some…
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Stage to ScreenSurekha Sikri: The NSD Veteran Who Won Across Three Decades
An NSD graduate and repertory veteran, Surekha Sikri spent a lifetime in service of the role, collecting three National Awards…
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Stage to ScreenSmita Patil: The Fearless Face of Parallel Cinema
In barely a decade, Smita Patil gave parallel cinema some of its most fearless, truthful performances, choosing hard, socially charged…
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