 |  Follow us    
  |
| Follow us
|
 |
 |
In the Telugu regions, one of the most prominent and
prolific methods of dramatic and artistic expression were the
Bhagavatams or the dance operas which centred on religious and
mythological lore. Almost all regions had their own versions of these
Bhagavata plays and each influenced the others. The Toorpu Bhagavatam,
Devadasi Bhagavatam, Jangama Bhagavatam and Kuchipudi Bhagavatam were
some types which were popular in the Andhra region, while Yerragolla
Bhagavatam, Chindu Bhagavatam, Yaanaadi Bhagavatam and Chenchu
Bhagavatam are some varieties which were born in the Telangana region.
Some of these Bhagavata traditions acquired the name Yakshagana. (‘The Bhagavata traditions and Kuchipudi: The Telangana Connection’ by Anupama Kylash, Nartanam, Oct– Dec 2016) |
|
With his past experience as a field worker and researcher and with the
help of Annabathula Buli Venkataratnamma, Nataraja Ramakrishna went from
door to door to see if any traditional Devadasi dancers still
remembered their tradition. To his astonishment he located 16 such great
performers and brought them on to one platform. He was singularly
responsible for conducting a seminar cum demonstration lecture series in
1970 at Rajahmundry and called it ‘Abhinaya Sadassu.’ It was a feast to
the eyes and ears of connoisseurs and people attending it wondered how
such a great art could vanish with the stroke of a pen or legislation. (‘Nataraja Ramakrishna: Crusader and Visionary’ by M. Nagabhushana Sarma, Nartanam, Oct– Dec 2016) |
 |