By Rons Bantwal
Mumbai (RBI), Jan 25: "Yakshagana cannot be compared to other art forms", emphasised Dr M Prabhakar Joshi, a senior Yakshagana artiste from the Karnataka coast, during a Yakshagana dialogue held at the Mysore Association Hall, Mumbai, on January 25.
Dr Joshi stated that Yakshagana requires a fundamental understanding of its distinct nature. He highlighted the importance of innovation in any art form, noting that without experimentation, no art can thrive in today's world. However, he also stressed that Yakshagana must retain its uniqueness and be nurtured carefully to avoid dilution.
In his speech, Dr Joshi further explained, “While collaboration is necessary, one must understand the distinctiveness of Yakshagana. The art form has its roots in theater and literature, but it is not like a play or Kuchipudi. The introduction of newness in art is serious work, and modernizing traditional forms requires immense effort.”
The event was organized by the Kannada Department of Mumbai University, Mysore Association, and the Kannada Kalavidara Parishat Maharashtra, under their joint initiative.
The dialogue was chaired by Dr Joshi at the Mysore Association Hall, located on Bhaudaji Road in Matunga East, Mumbai.
The topic of discussion, “Yakshagana, Theater Traditions, and Challenges,” featured insights from prominent artistes.
Renowned Yakshagana artiste Lakshminarayana Shetty, who spoke on Yakshagana episodes and Himmela, and Vasudeva Shetty, who addressed Thaala Maddale and its interpretation, contributed their perspectives. Dr Surendrakumar Hegde, president of the Kannada Kalavidara Parishat Maharashtra, focused on women and children's performances in Yakshagana, while veteran artist Damodara Shetty Ervaailu discussed the role of Yakshagana troupes and performances.
Mumbai-based artiste Dr YV Madhusoodan Rao gave his thoughts on the state of Yakshagana theater in the city.
During the event, Dr Joshi also released works related to Mumbai Yakshagana. These included the grand thesis on Mumbai Yakshagana by Dr Madhusoodan Rao and the legendary works Kumara Vyasa's by K Raju Shetty and literary work written by Damodara Shetty.
Prominent figures such as Dr BR Manjunath, K Manjunathayya, Prakash Paniyuru, Raju Shetty, Shankar Bhagavat, advocate Geeta RL Bhat, Ramesh Birti, Jagannath Shetty Sakinaaka, Prabhakar Devadiga, Padmanabha Siddhakatte, Ashok S Suvarna, Ganesh Kumar, Surekha H Devadiga, and many others actively participated in the dialogue.
The event also honoured veteran Yakshagana troupes from Mumbai. Representatives from the Shri Gurunarayana Yakshagana Mandali (1945), Shri Janapriya Yakshagana Mandali (1958), Shri Durgaparameshwari Kripaposita Yakshagana Mandali (1967), and Shri Geetambika Kripaposita Yakshagana Mandali Asalfa (1968) received recognition.
Dr GN Upadhyaya, head of the Kannada Department at Mumbai University, welcomed the attendees and emphasized the importance of the Mysore Association's contribution to strengthening Kannada language, literature, and culture. He further stated, “Yakshagana is not confined to the coastal regions of Karnataka; it is an art form of the entire nation.”
The event was attended by a large number of art enthusiasts. Senior artiste and organizer GT Acharya and Dr Purnima S Shetty, assistant professor at Mumbai University's Kannada Department, coordinated the event. Dr Ganapati Shankarlinga, honorary secretary of Mysore Association, expressed gratitude and closed the proceedings.