Indian Theatre: Traditions of Performance - Hardcover

Farley P. Richmond; Darius L. Swann; Phillip B. Zarrilli

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 8120809815 ISBN 13: 9788120809819

Publisher: Motilal Banarsidass, 2007

Synopsis

Indian Theatre expands the boundaries of what is usually regarded as theatre in order to explore the multiple dimensions of theatrical performance in India. From rural festivals to contemporary urban theatre, from dramatic rituals and devotional performances to dance-dramas and classical Sanskrit plays, this volume is a vivid introduction to the colourful and often surprising world of Indian performance. Besides mapping the vast range of performance traditions, the volume provides in-depth treatment of representative genres, including well-known forms such as Kathakali and ram lila and little-knowa performances such as tamasha. Each of these chapters explains the historical background of the theatre form under consideration and interprets its dramatic literature, probes its ritual or religious significance, and, where relevant, explores its social and political implications. Moreover, each chapter, except for those on the origins of Indian theatre, concludes with performance notes describing the actual experience of seeing a live performance in its original context. Based on extensive fieldwork, Indian Theatre is the first comprehensive account of the subject to be written by Western specialists and addressed to the needs of readers in the West. It will be a valuable resource for all students of Indian culture and a standard work in the history of theatre and performance for years to come.

About this title

Synopsis

Expands the boundaries of what is usually regarded as theatre in order to explore the multiple dimensions of theatrical performance in India.

Edition details

• Publisher: Motilal Banarsidass
• Publication date: 2007
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 8120809815
• ISBN 13: 9788120809819
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 487