The Bristol debut of Yakshagana, a spellbinding artform from the southwest coast of India.
Originating over 500 years ago in Karnataka, Yakshagana is brought to life through dynamic rhythm, vivid storytelling, and soul-stirring music, as well as elaborate and colourful costumes and stage technique – a truly unique style.
This performance brings a fresh and musical reimagining of the form focusing on the musical elements primarily; the hypnotic rhythm of the maddale (vertical drum) and the deep, echoing beat of the chende (horizontal drum)—at the heart of the experience, and with drumming and vocals supported by movements.
This performance highlights Yakshagana’s musical soul, where each beat becomes dialogue and every melody, a character. The music is rooted in its own raga system, distinct from Indian classical traditions, giving it a rich, unfiltered energy and raw emotional resonance.
Performed by artists who are bringing alive this rare tradition, Yakshagana has a centuries-old lineage, and features a bespoke musical tradition; based on ragas, yet separate from Carnatic music.
Traditionally, Yakshagana features two main ensembles: Himmela – the musicians, who bring alive complex rhythms and haunting melodies and Mummela – the dancers and actors, who interpret stories from Indian epics through stylised movement and expressive dialogue.
Performers
Prasanna Bhat (vocalist)
Raghavendra Hegde (horizontal drum)
Ganesh Gaonkar (vertical drum)
Shankar Hegde (dancer)
Sanmay Bhat (dancer)
Please note that the venue capacity is small, so we advise early purchase