Need Unesco recognition for Yakshagana: Prabhakar Joshi

In a rush to make the art form more ‘attractive’, we should not sacrifice its quality, says Dr Joshi

Udupi is hosting the first-ever state-level comprehensive Yakshagana Sammelana.

Excerpts of an interview with scholar and Yakshagana ‘Arthadhari’ Dr M Prabhakar Joshi who is presiding over the convention.

How were you initiated into Yakshagana?

I was introduced to Parashurama Yakshagana Sangha at the age of 10 in my native place Mala in Karkala taluk, where I started ‘Arthagarike’ with the guidance of senior artistes, including my maternal grandfather.

When I studied at a high school in Karkala, Anantashayana and Venkataramana temples held ‘Talamaddale’ sessions every Sunday. These
performances provided me a firm grounding.

I eventually became part of ‘Tirugata’ (touring) Yakshagana troupes where I came across legendary artistes, like Sheni Gopalakrishna Bhat and Malpe Ramadasa Samaga.

Articles by Dr K Shivarama Karanth on Yakshagana inspired me to write on the art form. The study of literature, criticism and philosophy groomed me as a critic.

How will the Yakshagana convention help to popularise the art form further?

The motto of Yakshagana Sammelana is ‘Abhimana’ (love for the art), ‘Abhiyana’ (a relentless campaign to improve the art) and ‘Abhijnana’ (to create an awareness on what is Yakshagana). The convention will help to understand the nuances of the art form better. The convention will address larger issues, like projecting and taking Yakshagana to a higher level. More serious and collective efforts are needed towards getting the Unesco heritage recognition for the dance form.

To achieve this, we need museums and archives of international standards dedicated to the art form. Our appeals will be submitted to various government agencies to initiate action in this regard.

What are your observations on changes that Yakshagana is going through ?

Any living vibrant tradition is subject to changes. In order to incorporate creative changes in Yakshagana and to make it more relevant to the public, we need a coordinated effort.

How to make Yakshagana more attractive without diluting its originality ?

In a rush to make the art form more ‘attractive’, we should not sacrifice its quality. We have the responsibility to set a standard. Yakshagana is a form-based art where costume, dance and music have a well-developed style. We need to rediscover and present it in the modern idiom, on the levels of story, presentation, dance, acting, stage craft and so on.

How relevant and important is it to include Yakshagana in education curriculum ?

Currently, in general education, there is not much content with respect to the art forms. Art forms, like Yakshagana Bayalata and its various traditions, need to be introduced in elementary, high school and college levels. It is also relevant from the point of creating a passion for the art form.

An issue has been raised on organising the convention during Yakshagana ‘Tirugata’ season.

It is true that the Yakshagana troupes are touring. However, most of these troupes have limited performances. Troupe owners have agreed to send their artistes to the convention. The feeling of inclusiveness among the artistes is important.