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An Ultimate Theatre Experience!
The state J&K has its own genre of theoretical performance where no
clear-cut categories of dance, drama or music are applicable. It is a sort
of total theatre - an amalgam of many media. The Bhand Pather of Kashmir,
Achi Lamo and Mane Pa in Ladakh
and the Ras and Bhagat in Jammu region have a fine combination of all
these form.
BHAND PATHER
Bhand Pather is very popular with the masses of Kashmir because they have
remained its sole patrons to date. Pather, in Kashmiri language means a
drama, while Bhand is the performer or actor. The Bhands normally don't
have any ready made or pre-decided theme. The performer shows his
ingenuity by improvising according to the situation and the material
available. There isn't any requirement of stage or green rooms while
performing Bhand Pather.
The musical instruments used in Jashan comprise Surnai - a Kashmiri
version of the Indian Shehnai, big Dhol, Nagara, and Peshrao.
ACHI LAMO
This performance usually depicts some Buddhist Jatik Katha, accompanied
by dance, music & drama. The performers normally come from Tibet where
the performance is called "Topa Khamba". Ladakhi people have
adopted this form and have been performing it in open.
MANE-PA
Mane Pa has more emphasis on narration and dialogue than in Achi-Lamo and
is enacted in Ladakh by the professional Mane-Pa families only. While
entertaining and providing humor to the audience, the actor mocks and
laughs at the follies of the common people.
RAS AND BHAGAT
Folk Theatre in Jammu region has religious
ramifications. The popular performances are those showing scenes from
Indian epics such as Mahabharta and Ramayana. The Ras or Bhagat mandalies,
usually from adjoining states of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh come to
perform in Jammu.