EXPRESSING THROUGH 'VACHIKA' ABHINAYA

 

By Shravani Abhyankar

(3rd Winner of NrutyaShabda Dance Essay Writing Competition, 2020 Junior Group, Organized by Samvaad Performing Arts Blog - Swarada Dhekane & Loud Applause Dance E-Magazine - Neha Muthiyan)

Since ancient times man has felt the need to express himself. Through signs, gestures and expressions, nomadic man tried to convey his emotions to his group members. Over the period of time man learned to imitate and produce various sounds. He tried combining different sounds and that led to evolution of language. Language is defined as the principal method of human communication consisting of words used in a conventional and structured way and conveyed by speech, writing or gesture. Since ages, language has been considered as the most prominent way of communicating between individuals even though its methods, script and dialects change from place to place. Since ancient times, many learned scholars have written down the knowledge known to them which we now know through various scriptures. To understand the importance of language and vocals in abhinaya, let us first look at what abhinaya actually means.

Abhinaya is a Sanskrit word formed by combining the prefix abhi meaning towards and nii meaning leads or guides. A more accurate meaning of this word would be ‘leading an audience towards’. Thus, abhinaya is a way to touch the hearts of audiences and convey the feeling of the protagonists through the use of various things. There are mainly four types of abhinaya as described by Natyashastra – Angika (use of body and limbs), Vachika (using speech and scripts), Aharya (using costumes) and Satvika (use of moods and emotions). A person portrays a character effectively through these types of Abhinaya and the audience are able to connect.

Since ancient times, many intelligent writers have scripted legendary dramas which are portrayed even now. Celebrated writers like Kalidasa and Sudraka have conveyed purest of emotions through their dramas. Their famous plays ‘Abhijnanashakuntala’ and ‘Mruchhakatika’ are still played in various parts and hold a special position in everyone’s heart. During the freedom struggle the scripts of the plays were used as a medium of creating awareness against the oppressive rule of the British government. Krisnaji Prabhakar Khadilkar wrote Keechakvadh a metaphorical drama to denounce the government while Govind Ballal Deval wrote Sharada, a musical play, to humor the evil custom of marrying young girls to old men. Dancers have been expressing themselves through this Natya on the stage since the time of the Mughal Empire. Even in recent times, street plays hold an important role in awakening people against global problems.

Not only dramas, but people have also used words to create beautiful verses for various purposes. The poems have been used to describe the beauty of places, people and creations or to praise the kings and noblemen. Poems in the form of Bharuds, Abhangas, Bhajans and Aratis have been performed in front of the God as a part of prayer. Keertans and Lalit have formed a special place in the hearts of people because of there unique styles. Powadas which combine poetry and prose, have played an important role in our freedom struggle and are still useful to arouse nationalistic sentiments. Not only these traditional forms of poetry, but also the modern and western forms like free verse and sonnets have influenced a huge part of humanity. Through entertaining rhymes to strong and emotional content, from easygoing flow of topic to remembering the speech, poetry has indeed become an enticing form of expression.

Storytelling is an ancient art. It is considered as a very powerful talent because of the strong use of words to convey deep and spiritual messages to masses through an entertaining source. A rather boring looking issue can easily be made interesting by weaving it into a blanket of story. Words describing the personality development of a character from a story leaves a deeper impact than just plain advice. When this storytelling is incorporated into classical dance it takes form of the Kavitta which expresses a story or incident modified to the taal. Storytelling with occasional mix of dance-related words creates a beautiful aura and the audience remembers the plot more easily.

 

Niratat Nandana Dana Chom 

Tat Chom Tat Chom Tat 

Tigada Digdig Ta 

Liye Rang Sab, Sakha Sang 

Man Mein Umang Gat Tribhang Ta

(taal- zaptaal)

Drama, poetry and stories all have one thing in common – words. Usage of correct words can express great emotions and touch hearts. Incorporating words into a dance form certainly helps to build a closer relationship with the audience and helps in arresting their attention. After all, only the combination of Nrutt and Natya can lead to presentation of a perfect Nrutya.