Prahlada Nataka
While Nataka denotes a play in its
fullness, the presentation of this play is so much stylised that it has come to
stay as a distinct form of theatre in Orissa.
Based on the most popular mythological theme of the boy Prahlada and how
all attempts of his father to kill him failed because of his faith in God, upto
the appearance of Nrusingha Avatara from a pillar who kills his father, Hiranya Kasipu.
A centra acting arena with a pillar on one side and a high wooden throne on the
other side is essential.Two batches of musicians remain in attendance.While the
chorus boys and the main musicians take their place nearer the throne,another
batch wait near the green room to lead the entry of each character in a manner
of a ceremonial procession complete with fireworks and crackers, amongst the
spectators up to the acting area.
I think this stylisation has no
parallel any where in the drama world, except partly adopted in Moghul Tamsha.
The costume are extremely ornamental and colourful. The music is entirely based on classical Ragas. Each character sings and knows the art of dancing very well.
While life size dummy elephant is used to bring the king, live cobras are used around Prahlada's neck in the snake sequence.
Evidently Prahlada Nataka of Orissa is a regular classical Indian play with a distinct and highly stylised traditional presentation form.
In Orissa, there are only very few groups in Ganjam district now, who have remained to be the torch bearers of this great traditional culture.