Bayalāṭa ( kan, ಬಯಲಾಟ, or Bayalāṭada ) is a generic term for all open air theatre form, including form of
Yakshagana found in southern
Indian region of
Karnataka.
[The Mask and the Message
By Ke Chinnappa Gauḍa · Madipu Prakashana, 2005. pp. 76] It features stories from
Indian epic poetry and the
Puranas
Purana (; sa, , '; literally meaning "ancient, old"Merriam-Webster's Encyclopedia of Literature (1995 Edition), Article on Puranas, , page 915) is a vast genre of Indian literature about a wide range of topics, particularly about legends an ...
rendered as dance and drama. ''Bayalāṭa'' means ''open theater drama'' and marks the end of harvest season The most popular theme for ''bayalāṭa'' is the story of
Kōṭi and Cennayya, which has deep-rooted significance for the people of
Tulu Nadu. There are generally five types of Bayalayas – Dasarat, Sannata, Doddata, Parikatha, and Yakshanaga. Parijat and Yakshagana are narrated by single sutradhar while other three forms are performed in chorus of three-four, aided by Vidhushaka.
The
Yakshagana stage is set before the village temple on a sandy beach or in open fields. A low platform about 16' 10 20' with
bamboo poles at each corner
garlanded with flowers,
plantain and
mango
A mango is an edible stone fruit produced by the tropical tree ''Mangifera indica''. It is believed to have originated in the region between northwestern Myanmar, Bangladesh, and northeastern India. ''M. indica'' has been cultivated in South a ...
leaves, and roofed with matted
palm leaves. At sunset the sound of a ''
chande'', a high pitched drum, announces forthcoming performances.
References
Arts of Karnataka
Theatre in India
Classical theatre of india
{{Karnataka-stub