Sanskrit Theater

Jun 17, 2024

Crash Course Theater: Sanskrit Theater

Introduction

  • Presenter: Mike Rugnetta
  • Transitioning from Greek and Roman theater to Sanskrit theater.
  • Overview of happy endings, rectangular theaters, and fish bellies.

Origins of Sanskrit Theater

  • Exact origins unknown, likely similar to Greek drama evolution.
  • Evolved from religious rituals honoring gods.
  • Sanskrit literature began around 1500 BCE, originally oral tradition.
  • Key texts: Mahabharata and Ramayana (epic tales, written down much later).
  • Golden age: 4th and 5th centuries (Gupta Dynasty).
  • Surviving works: around two-dozen dramas.
  • Language: mix of Sanskrit (literary dialect) and Prakrit (common dialect).

Foundational Text: Natyasastra

  • Author: Bharata Muni (possibly semi-divine, may not have been a real person).
  • Comprehensive guide on theater (writing, staging, acting, etc.).
  • Structured as a 6000 verse poem.

Key Concepts from Natyasastra

Origins of Drama

  • Created by Brahma to serve as a religious teaching tool.
  • Bharata taught drama to his 100 sons. Initial play celebrated Indra's victory.

Rasas and Bhavas

  • Plays categorized by moods (rasas): erotic, comic, pathetic, furious, heroic, terrible, odious, marvelous, and peace.
  • Actors evoke rasas using emotions (bhavas): pleasure, mirth, sorrow, wrath, vigor, fear, disgust, wonder.

Categories of Plays

  • Nataka: Derived from epics, gods, heroes, happy endings (5-10 acts).
  • Prakarana: Urban settings, everyday characters (5-10 acts).
  • Other types: dima (16 heroes), anka (1-act, women’s laments).

Staging of Sanskrit Theater

  • Performed with religious festivals and rituals.
  • Inclusive of male and female actors.
  • Audience from all four castes, theater seating was segmented.
  • Theaters: rectangular, square, or triangular (medium-sized rectangles most popular).
  • Symbolized the universe with color-coded pillars.
  • Acting: highly stylized, precise movements with specific meanings (nose, neck, eyebrows, eyes, fingers, feet).
  • Focus on emotion, rhythm, music, costume, makeup, and props (not scenery).

Example Play: The Recognition of Sakuntala

  • Author: Kalidasa
  • Plot involves King Dushyanta and Sakuntala with themes of love, curses, memory, and reunion.
  • Ends harmoniously, emphasizing peace with the universe.

Conclusion

  • Sanskrit drama lasted for centuries.
  • Next episode: decline of drama in post-Roman era, leading to the Dark Ages.