Nātyaçāstra: An Indigenous Knowledge System and a Model for Modern Theatre Performances

Performance is the key factor of the play. In the magnum opus of performance, the Natyasastra, different aspects of the play are analyzed in detail. Natyasastra is a perfect example of the Indian indigenous knowledge system. Even though it deals with the fifth Veda, i.e., Natya, such a comprehensive analysis of performance cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. The structure of the play, stage, acting, and properties are explained in detail in this book.Each play can be performed in many ways and every performance is a text. Each performance interprets the text in its own way, and a director can raise the play to a higher realm and transcend the limitations of a text. Two approaches exist for a play text: textual and theatrical. Both approaches interpret the text in different ways. While the textual approach gives emphasis to the analysis of the play text, the theatrical approach emphasizes the technical elements of the play. These technical elements include acting, costume, makeup, and stage properties. The structure of the play is also very significant. Based on the structure of the play, the play text is divided into different divisions. Bharata classifies the Rasa into eight categories (Ashtarasa) and gives the corresponding Bhava that gives rise to the rasa. These are known as Sthayi Bhava or the pervading stable emotions. This book, Natyasastra, provides even minute observations on the ways of experiencing rasa, that is, the ways of enjoying a play. Natyasastra is a great contribution to the Indian indigenous knowledge system. This paper analyzes Natyasastra as an indigenous knowledge system and as a model for modern theatre performances.