The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : The show must go on

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Feb 03, 2007
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

The show must go on

Shubhra Tandon

Despite fading patronage, their never-say-die spirit is to be seen to be believed. Yes, members of ancient art forms don't want to let their guard down.

CAN'T LET THEIR GUARD DOWN: Despite fading patronage, their never-say-die spirit is to be seen to be believed. Members of Chindu Yakshaganam from Medak district during a performance in Hyderabad on Friday. - Photo: G. Krishnaswamy

HYDERABAD: Maybe invasion of cinema and television will soon fade the memories of Oggukatha, Yakshaganam, Palle Suddulu, Tholubommalaata and Kolatam, etc.

While some of these art forms like Dappu Nrutyam have fallen prey to modern times, and do not remember even the origins of their skill, there are some who have decided `never say die.'

"We know that future is very bleak but we will continue to perform and pass on this art to the next generation," according to troupe members of Chindu Yakshaganam.

This traditional art form based on Lord Krishna's `leelas' is from Siddipet in Medak district.

Men as women

Accompanied with lots of folk music and dance, the art form is performed only by men who disguise as women for female roles.

"Nowadays, we paint our face (essential part of the act) with the make-up available in the market, however, our ancestors used natural products like extracts from plants to paint themselves.

It takes us two hours to complete the make-up, which is done in a very ritualistic manner in front of goddess Saraswati," says a member P. Chiranjeevi.

However, as reminisces of the tradition, the members still use burnt extracts of a special tree to prepare `kohl' for eyes.

Earning Rs. 50 per member, this group of 12 gets to perform four to five times a year.

"We know no other skill and survive on the blessings of our elders and hope that we will be recognised some day," says a hopeful troupe.

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