Possession, Performance and the Passing of Time: The Global and Historical Contexts for Ritual Theatre in South West India

Abstract

There is a range of religious performance traditions in Kerala and Karnataka which still occupy an important place in the cultural and spiritual life of communities. They include būta, or spirit worship, and genres described as religious drama, such as Yakshagana and Kathakali. The last of these has been separated out as a globally significant dance-drama style, to be studied by students of performance across the world. The interest of “outsiders” affects the way the traditions are treated in India and can lead to a notional separation between art-form and primitive superstition. Without greater awareness and consideration, the living culture of the region risks being undermined and extinguished.



Author Information
Shankara Angadi, University of Warwick, United Kingdom

Paper Information
Conference: IICAH2025
Stream: Arts - Performing Arts Practices: Theater

This paper is part of the IICAH2025 Conference Proceedings (View)
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Posted by James Alexander Gordon