The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : ‘Yakshagana is not a dying art’

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Dec 24, 2007
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

‘Yakshagana is not a dying art’

Staff Reporter

Sherigar, Balakrishna Nayak honoured

BANGALORE: They animatedly explain the variations in dance gestures and make-up for different characters – a slight curve in a pattern, a few dots on the face or a little extra dash of yellow for face colours.

The common rhetoric might be to declare Yakshagana a dying art and lament about the general condition of all folk art forms. But an interaction with Yakshagana artistes, who were honoured for their contribution to the art, here on Sunday provided a different perspective.

“We have people coming from abroad to learn this art. They stay with us and learn the art of make-up and dance, and return home and give performances. There are many schools coming up to teach Yakshagana. The art is not dying at all,” said Margoli Govinda Sherigar (81) from Kundapur, who was honoured with Dr. Shivaram Karanth Award.

Mr. Sherigar has performed a range of characters from the Ramayana and the Mahabharatha, including Meenakshi, Chitrangada, Sita, Rama, Krishna and Arjuna.

On how the art form has changed, he said: “Earlier, one person had to perform different roles. So a troupe had a maximum of 12 people. But now, there are three or four people playing different roles and a troupe now has at least 36 members.” Balakrishna Nayak Brahmavar was drawn to the bright colours, an essential element of Yakshagana, when he was only 18.

“We use white, red and yellow mostly. If we want save on money, we mix these colours with coconut oil and apply them on the face,” said this make-up artist who was honoured with H.L. Bhat Award.

New trends

About the new trends in make-up in Yakshagana, Mr. Brahmavar said: “Earlier, we took over an hour to tie a headgear. But now, there are ready made ones which take about 10 minutes only. It is easier definitely, but if we want to remain true to tradition, perhaps we should stick to the old ways of make-up.”

Govind Bhat from Bantwal taluk could not attend the function to receive Dr. Shivaram Karanth Award.

The awards were given away by Karnataka Kala Darshini.

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