Theatre in Ancient India

by siddheswar Chattopadhyay

This book is a collection of essays on Sanskrit drama and dramaturgy by a renowned Sanskritist. The author brings to bear his vast knowledge of Sanskrit drama and practical experience of directing Bengali and Sanskrit plays on the fine array of subjects treated here. The book includes essays on Matrgupta, the well known commentator of Natyasastra, the hero in the Mudraraksasa, a note on Arthopaksepaka, Brecht's theory of Alienation Effect and Sanskrit dramaturgy, the actor and aesthetic experience, Pustas and ancient Indian theatre, two anonymus precepts of Sanskrit dramaturgy, glimpses of ancient Indian folk theatre, stage and stagecraft as revealed in some Sanskrit plays and the later phase of Sanskrit theatre in eastern India. A valuable addition to the growing literature on theatre in ancient India.