Two-day camp on ‘himmela’ begins on Sunday

Some singers have deviated from the tradition, confusing the performers.— File Photo: R. Eswarraj
A two-day workshop on ‘tradition and modernity in himmela (background music) of Tenkuthittu School of Yakshagana’ will be conducted on the premises of Durgaparameshwari Temple at Kateel in Dakshina Kannada district from June 9. The Karnataka Yakshagana Bayalata Academy is its host, said academy M. L. Samaga.

Mr. Samaga said that with modern style of singing by some bhagawathas (singers), who have deviated from the tradition, both the stage performers of Yakshagana and other background music artistes are in confusion now. The stage performers are confused whether to perform in the traditional style or not, and background music artistes are confused whether to follow the tradition or deviate from it.

The workshop is aimed at addressing the confusions and making Yakshagana music supportive for better performance on the stage. Usually in any music form, the singing picks up from slow pace to high pitch. But in Yakshagana now some bhagawathas start singing in high note. With this the ‘chende’ (a percussion instrument) player also beats the ‘chende’ in high note. Many professional stage artistes (performers with costume) have told him (Mr. Samaga) that they found it difficult to dance to the beatings with high tempo.

He said that though the focus of the workshop would be on himmela of Tenkuthittu, professional and amateur artistes from any school of Yakshagana, could participate in the workshop.

Those interested in participating in the workshop may call 94482 52487, 94484 80515 or 98442 66398.