A thematic framework that identifies the essential components of a live presentation
The Natyashastra tells us not only how to portray a drama, but also how to present it. This is known as the NatyaVeda Sangraha. BharataMuni, the author of the Natyashastra, identified 11 Angas, or components, that are essential to any successful performance.
NatyaVeda - considered the 'fifth Veda' that takes elements from all four Vedas: the vocal aspects from Rig Veda, the practical aspects from Yajur Veda, musical aspects from Sama Veda, and the emotional aspects from Atharvana Veda: - more commonly known as the Natyashashtra
Sangraha - harmonious combination
“Rasābhāvahyabhinayah dharma vṛttipravṛthayah I Siddhih swarastadatodyaṃ gānaṃ raṇgāsca saṇgraḥa II
The 11 Angas are as follows:
1. Rasa
psychological states; the spectators' reaction to the expressed bhava
2. Bhava
sentiment; the innate emotions in all beings; feeling, mood, state of mind, emotional states. the embodiment of a character's state and the immediate reaction of the character
3. Abhinaya
dramatic representations; conveying the meaning of the song by way of dramatizing the lyrical component of a song or poetry as a visual representation to the spectator
4. Dharmi
mode of presentation
a. Natyadharmi: theatrical presentation with exaggerated and coded movement
b. Lokadharmi: realistic presentation dependent on regional characteristics
5. Vritti
mode of expression; the style of which has been used to present the performance
a. Bharathi Vritti: vocal expression; speech
b. Satvatti Vritti: emotional expression
c. Kaisiki Vritti: delicate expression
d. Aarabhati Vritti: virile expression
6. Pavritti
regional variation; different regions in the state take on different stylistic
differences; can be stylistic differences, language differences, story variations, etc.
7. Swara
saptaswara music; musical notes that are the basis for athodya and gaana
8. Athodya
instrumental music
9. Gaana
vocal music
10. Ranga
stage on which the dancer will present
11. Siddhi
success
A harmonious combination of all 11 Angas make for a successful production.
N A T Y A V E D A S A N G R A H A
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