FOLK
THEATRE
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 Manepa in Ladakh and the Ras and Bhagat in Jammu region have a fine combination of all
these form.
BHAND PATHER
It is very popular with the common masses, 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. No stage property or green rooms are required.
The music instruments used in Jashan comprise
Surnai-a Kashmiri version of the Indian Shehnai, big Dhol and Nagara, Peshrao.
ACHI LAMO
This performance usually depicting some Buddhist
Jatik Katha uses dance, music & drama in it. 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
It 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 mock and laugh 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 like
Mahabharta and Ramayana. The Ras or Bhagat mandalies, usually from adjoining states of
Punjab and Himachal Pradesh come to perform in Jammu.
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