Yakshagana "Bhamini"

Yakshagana "Bhamini" is an unique solo-dance performance ever conceived in the lore of Yakshagana theatre, an outstanding form of theatrical art hailing from Karnataka.

Here for the first time an emphatical focus on Vakyarthabhinaya and Ekaharya setup is made in contrast with Padarthabhinaya and Anekaharya which are very much pronounced in the regular Yakshagana performances.  Pertinently adhereing to the core-classical aspects of yakshagana an idiom and rhythm, "Bhamini" tries to explore the greater possibilities of female-role which is commonly very much subdued and as a result, the significantly main aspect of South Indian dance-drama motif - Kaishiki Vritti (the delicate and tender mood much pronounced in the Dakshinatya Pravritti as per sage Bharata) is ignored.  Here is a venture to rediscover the graceful Kaishiki through the famed Asta Nayika theme.

The moods of might, mischief, mello, melancholy and marvel of the love-longing heroine in different situations of her love-labour are codified copiously in the classical texts such as Natyasastra, Dasarupaka, Rasamanjari etc. and from here the main eight types which are structured on the basis of psycho-sentimental aspects - highly communicative in evoking aesthetic delight - are chosen for the present venture. Thus we have the Proshita Patika (lamenting over her beloved who is on tour), Vasaka Sajjika) engrossed in preparations for welcoming her lord to her charming suit). Abhisarika (eager to meet the lover and rushing towards his way), Vipralabdha (the disappointed lady), Virahotkanthita (Love-longing lone lady in separation), Khandita (dismisssing her lover in wrath due to his un-loyalty), Kalahantarita (lamenting over her ungraceful act against her beloved) and Swadhinapatika (Jubilient heroine who has won the heart of her lord).

These moods are charmingly set to original lyrics and tunes and are also choreographed in accordance with an one-day-even theme quite logical and novel with re-surgining rasabhava.

The theme, concept, lyrics and direction are by Satavadhani Dr R Ganesh.  Choreography and performance are by Sri Mantapa Prabhakara Upadhyaya, Music is by Sri Ganapati Bhat Bhagavata.

This unique event will certainly prove to be a welcoming feature by both yakshagana lovers and dance-lovers alike.