Sullia: Not long ago Yakshagana folk theatre had made immense impact in the lives of coastal people with its combination of dance, music, dialogue and costumes .The stage techniques along with the unique form of expressions by stage artists enthralled people right through the night for years. At least one member from each household was associated with the folk theatre which brought in lot of excitement among the people living in coastal districts.
In recent times, though other modern forms of western and Indian ‘theatre art’ aided by hi-tech media has dented the age old Yakshagana folk theatre to some extent, the one in Delampadi village in Sullia Taluk has not only retained its past glory but has grown leaps and bounds over the years. Today with the government assistance and large fan following the Banari Kirikkadu Yakshagana folk theatre has turned into a cultural study centre in the region. It’s one of its kinds in the midst of natural beauty between two border districts.
The former chief minister of Karnataka and the present central Law minister DB Sadananda Gowda during his tenure as CM, was keen on projecting this folk theatre at regional level. He was instrumental in providing financial assistance in his budget. The study centre which came into existence recently with full fledged infrastructure will be training Yakshagana folk artists in all the aspects related to Yakshagana folk theatre. It would involve training in dance, providing leads to play the relevant musical instruments associated with the folk theatre, training in make-up, expression, insight into the epics based on which the program revolves are the areas in which the centre will provide vital inputs to all the artists who intend to undergo training. It will also strive to bring in new features to make the play exciting to the modern viewer.
The centre houses books, article and information about all the artists of yester years and the articles required during the performance are being stored for the benefit of young aspiring artists who like to undergo training at the centre.
The centre has a full-fledged building for accommodating all involved in the folk theatre activities that take place in the centre at regular intervals. An open theatre for live performance and camps are being held frequently to motivate and guide the aspirants to scale greater heights in the theatre arena.
The source of inspiration behind this centre is the founder Kirikkadu Master Vishnu Bhat who converted the entire village Delampadi as folk theatre village in 1942. Several programs, felicitation of artists, anniversary celebrations are part of many events which take place here. The birth centenary celebration of the founder was held recently. The children of Vishnu Bhat, who are renowned artists in the Yakshagana folk theatre, are contributing their might to make the study centre a happening place. Vanamala Kehsva Bhat, Dr Ramanand Banari and Vishwa Vinoda Banari oversee all the activities of the centre and are instrumental in carrying forward the legacy left behind by their father. The theatre which started before independence with local artists and few instruments has not only sustained but has grown entertaining people from Dakshina Kannada and Kasaragod.
As new artists flock into dance to the reverberating music associated with Yakshagana in the midst of natural greenery, their dialogues, expressions will attract avid folk theatre lovers and will keep the coastal folk theatre art buzzing for years to come.
