Bhand Pather : A traditional theatre form from Kashmir at the foothills of the Himalayas, The Bhands,were the traditional performers of the valley. The plays of the Bhands was called Pather; a drama that incorporated mythological legends and contemporary social satire. Acting, dance and music were an integral part of this theatre form.
Swang: Is a popular folk dance drama or folk theatre form from Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Malwa region of Madya Pradesh. Stories from Indian Mythology and folk tales were enacted by a group of actors in the open air theatres surrounded by the audience. Men usually performed in these dramas as women did not tradionally participate in dance dramas.
Nautanki: A popular folk operatic theater performance that provided entertainment in the villages and towns of northern India. Nautankis range from mythological and folk tales to stories of contemporary heroes.
Raasleela: Nand Das wrote his plays based on the life of the Krishna. The performance includes prose, poetry, songs and scenes from the life of Krishna.
Bhavai Maach: The traditional theatre form from Gujarat, it displays a combination of devotion and romantic sentiments.
Tamasha: Traditional folk theatre from Maharashtra. The female actress known as Murki performs all the dances in the play.
Krishnattam: This is the folk theatre from Kerala . Krishnattam is a cycle of eight plays performed during eight days. Based on the life of the Hindu Lord Krishna they portray the victory of good over evil.
Theyyam: Means God's dance and is a traditional and popular form of folk theatre from Kerala. It features colorful costumesanad striking head ornaments that are often 6 feet high.
Koodiyattam: Oldest traditional theatre form from Kerala adheres to Sanskrit theatre traditions. Elaborate hand gestures and eye movements are highlighted in this theatre form.
Yakshaganna: Theatre form from Karnataka is based on the Mahabarata, mythological storeis and the puranas.
Theerukoothu: Popular folk theatre from Tamil Nadu in Southern India. It means 'street play' and is usually performed during the temple festivals to appease the rain goddess Mariamman. This is a cycle of eight plays and describes the life of Draupadi.
From the Center for Cultural Resources and Training, webpages on Theatre forms of India.
Theatre form from Karnataka
KoodiYattam -oldest traditional theatre form from Kerala
