Theme
and its treatment
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| Picture courtesy: google
The crux of Tamasha
today lies in the wag (play). These plays are based on mythological themes but
this is only a pretext for a mixture of satire, force and ribaldry. This
peculiarly uninhibited ribaldry is essential to the full impact of the Tamasha. Traditionally, Tamasha would be performed only in front
of a male audience. The wag is presented through prose dialogue which is, more
often than not, improvised. The principal singer introduces the character by
the first Lavni and gives, in gist, the main plot of the story. The musicians
at the back provide the refrain or often a comment on the main character. This
provides scope for sharp sarcasm on the genteel world. The actors speak their
parts through prose passages and the next Lavni
takes the story further. The two are interspersed with dances by the
actresses. Loud sounds of ji-ji-ji and hai-hai-hai, resound all throughout.
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