'Natyotpatti Katha' Depicts The Origin Of Bharat Muni's Natyashastra In Bhopal

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): A Sanskrit play 'Natyotpatti Katha' which is the dramatic narrative about the origin of Indian Dramaturgy as described in Bharat Muni's Natyashastra was staged at Ravindra Bhawan in the city. It also dwells on some fundamental questions regarding the necessity of having an art-form like theatre in the 'Tretayuga'

Written by Prof. Radhavallabh Tripathi and directed by Sangeeta Gundecha, the play also attempts to delineate the sources of various elements of theatre from Rigveda, Samveda, Yajurveda and Atharvaveda. The sequencing of the elements of abhinaya is suggested in Bharat Muni's Natyashastra and it also creates what German playwright Bertolt Brecht called 'alienation effect'.

The Sanskrit play was presented by Rangmandal, Natyashastra Studies and Research Centre, Central Sanskrit University, Bhopal along with Hindi and Malwi dialects.

All the characters, whether they are gods or sages, were played by actresses. Apart from other implications of this fact, the most central is that the source of creativity lies in femininity.

“We have tried to use as little as possible the stage props (Aaharya) in our performance. We think as Bharat Muni thought that the actresses should be made capable of creating the 'Rang Brahmand', an imaginary world of the theatre in which Natyashastra is taking birth,” Gundecha said, adding that “we believe that Brahma is another name for reality. Reality is everywhere, so Brahma in the play is presented through his echoing voice to suggest that he is speaking from everywhere.” 

The play is dedicated to the well-known Philosopher late Prof. Navjyoti Singh.

It was part of third-day of the six-day ‘Harihar Rashtriya Natya Samaroh evam Bharatmuni Rashtriya Sangosthi,’ organised by the Culture Department.

Besides 'Natyotpatti Katha', a play ‘Suvasantak’ under the direction of Padma shri recipient Puru Dadhich was staged. The beauty of spring was showcased in various dance styles including Dadhich style of Kathak Natwari dance in the play.