PAGATI VESHALU
Pagati Veshalu are the daytime performances where the portrays someone else disguising
with the use of costumes or masks. Performances are presented one after the other for a
few days. This has been a living tradition and has emerged as a folk theatre form. Three
to four characters participate in these performances. On the concluding day, the
performers appear in their real self or as Ardhanareeswara to receive gifts from the
people.
The characters portrayed are of different
types and have a purpose of their making –
- Veshams focussing on contemporary society and its mannerisms
- They try to reform the society through these presenting the caricatures of eminent
persons and customs. Some of the prominent veshams include Somayajulu-Somidevamma, the
orthodox Brahmin husband and the relentless wife, Dhashtikan pantulu, Komati, Bhattu- the
revenue inspector, etc.
- Mythological and legendary veshams of Ardhanareeshwara,
Shakti, Betala, etc.
- Humourous veshams representing a particular class –
that include Modibanda vallu, Singi Singadu, etc.
The variety has come because the artists
resorted to this on part time basis during the slack season. In Rayalaseema, these are
associated with rituals. |
