Yakshadhruva Troupe

Dancer

Yakshagana, a unique and popular traditional theatre of Karnataka State in India, is an aesthetically rich theatre, unparalleled in the world because it is a harmonious blend of powerful music, vigorous dance, colourful costumes and extempore dialogues. A full-night performance of Yakshagana is a medium of moral instructions, enlightening entertainment juxtaposing the depiction of the Indian mythological stories with intellectual creative interpretations of puranic lore.

2024 to 2025

Yakshadhruva Tour – A glimpse of total theatre

In a remarkable cultural exchange BSDC brought in 2023 the renowned Yakshagana Patla Foundation Trust from Mangaluru, India, to the UK. This initiative aimed to create new collaborations and celebrate the ancient traditional Indian art form of Yakshagana, showcasing its vibrant performances to a wider audience in England.

Yakshagana, which translates to "the people who are nature spirits," is a traditional South Asian theatre performance that combines music, dance, and drama to depict mythological stories and puranic lore. The Yakshadhruva Patla Foundation Trust, acclaimed for their dedication to preserving and promoting this art form, is on their first tour of the UK, hosted by the Devika Rao and BSDC.

International Yoga Day 2023, as part of Unmasking Pain

The tour commenced on June 21, 2023, with a dynamic performance at the Durham Botanical Gardens. This event, featuring International Yoga Day celebrations and traditional Yakshagana tales, engaged both Unmasking Pain participants and the public, highlighting the transformative power of arts for health and wellbeing.

A performance for Roots & Routes

Following the success of the International Yoga day 2023, BSDC brought the age-old tradition of Yakshagana, to the heart of Gledhow Valley Woods for Roots & Routes. In this collaboration, Gledhow Valley Woods transformed into a stage where the ancient myths of India met the imaginative interpretations of the Yakshagana troupe. Their performance not only showcased the beauty of this traditional art form but also bridged the cultural gap, inviting the local community to witness the enchanting tales of another land.

Performances for the Willow Tree Academy Residency

Aligned with its educational ethos, BSDC invited the Yakshadruva Patla Foundation to create a special performance at the Willow Tree Academy Residency. Performing in schools was a first for the Yakshagana troupe, but they connected with the kids through their beautiful and playful costumes and breathtaking performances. The students were mesmerised by the vibrant storytelling and lively dance, making it an unforgettable cultural experience that bridged tradition and youthful curiosity.

Performance at Stage@Leeds

To conclude the tour, BSDC, in collaboration with Devika Rao, organised a public performance at the stage@leeds, University of Leeds, featuring the Yakshagana Patla Foundation. This grand finale included a vibrant display of traditional Yakshagana art forms, captivating the audience in a formal indoor setting. To celebrate the tour's success and inclusivity, the event was made accessible to everyone, followed by a Q&A session, allowing attendees to engage directly with the artists and deepen their understanding of this ancient art form.

Artists

Yakshadruva Patla Foundation

Photographers

Balbir Singh
Elia Tomé
Malcolm Johnson

Visual Artists

Louise Grassby

Storyteller

Jane Morland