MUSIC IN STAGE DRAMAS
Stage Drama is one of those inherent art forms which originated in India and has its unique fabric. Though dramatics is present even in the west, the aspect of art direction, music, projection of expressions is quite exquisite and mystical in Indian stage dramas. Not just the rich colored costumes and jewelry, the music and instruments used for stage dramas clearly makes it distinctly beautiful. It wouldn’t be surprising to quote that the influence of Indian Classical Music is heavily present in the stage dramas and used quite in precision to express emotions, elevate a scene and also bring about aesthetic beauty.
Interestingly, the stage dramas in India had traditionally available musical instrument usage such as Veena, Mridangam were used because of most of the dramas were based on mythological themes, based on epic stories like Mahabharata and Ramayana. Though many of the branching out fables were taken which had folk counterparts, the music used in stage dramas in Indian scenario was essentially classical based. Ragas like Bhimpalasi (Abheri in Carnatic Music), Bilaaval (Shankarabharanam in Carnatic Music) were widely used in poems recited by the lead actors of such mythological themes. Most of the protagonists were either Gods namely Lord Rama, Lord Krishna and so on. But when bhakti movement, foreign invasions, and advent of different cultural fabrics, even the music in stage dramas of India underwent a change. The attempt to bring folk flavors to stage drama was quite evident as well, with the intention of bringing fine arts to larger audiences who can appreciate simpler forms of it.
Locally available instruments such as ektara, jaltarang, single stringed violin were also used based on the themes used in stage dramas now. The themes were not entirely mythological but started becoming more social, contemporary which even spoke about current issues of that era. Naturally for such scenarios, completely traditional music would not work out. Hence, the makers of such stage dramas introduced new musical instruments, treated Classical Ragas with a simpler aspects to make it easier for the audience to appreciate. Even the lyrics used for these stage songs struck a chord with the common folk rather than highly polished vocabulary. Folk ragas like Harikambhoji were used in simpler and foot tapping vibe to give a chant worthy experience for the audience. In fact, music shouldn’t become distant to the audience.
With the advent of British rule in India, western influences of music and contemporary themes were also showcased on Indian stage dramas. Usage of symphony for Thyagaraja Kritis, meeting of musical worlds, and Sanskrit slokas having western harmonies has become the trend. The Indian stage drama music is now more global with increased number of woven layers, which keeps the root intact. After all the unique feature of any genre of music is the inner core.