Kudiyattam Theatre and the Actor's Consciousness.

This book explores the training methods, performance and aesthetics of Kudiyattam, the oldest existing theatre from in the world. It brings together for the first time a comprehensive analysis of the psycho-physical techniques employed by the actors in Kerala of this temple theatre form. The book offers an in-depth analysis of pakarnnattam, a unique acting technique that helps the actor to perform multiple characters in a single dramatic situation. This multiple transformational acting technique is highly relevant to enhance the actor's abilities such as imagination, spontaniety and improvisation. The book employs a range of theoretical models developed from performance studies, gender theories, consciousness studies, Indian aesthetic and philosophical theories to invenstigate the actor's body in training and performance. Most significantly, for the first time, the book offers some extra-ordinary insights into the links between the actor's breathing and consciousness. It covers a range of topics: Hatha Yoga breathing techniques, eye training, hand gestures, movement techniques, voice training and rasa acting.

ISBN 9042027983   Weight (grammes) 321 ISBN13 9789042027985 (What's this?)   Published in Amsterdam Publisher Editions Rodopi B.V.   Series ISSN 1573-219 Imprint Editions Rodopi B.V.   Series title Consciousness, Literature & the Arts Format Paperback   Height (mm) 152 Publication date 01 Mar 2010   Width (mm) 229 DEWEY 792.01   Spine width (mm) 12 DEWEY edition DC22   Academic level Postgraduate Pages 214

		Acknowledgements		9
		Introduction		11
Chapter One		The Actor's Consciousness: Contemporary Western Approaches		33
Chapter Two		The Actor's Consciousness: Indian Approaches to Actor Training and Acting with Particular Reference to Kudiyattam		71
Chapter Three		Natyasastra, Kudiyattam and Actor's Consciousness		151
		Conclusion		203
		Bibliography		209

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