Sphoorthi Theatre

Somana Kunitha or Soma kunitha - the 'Mask dance,' is a traditional folk art form from Southern Karnataka that serves as a kind of spirit worship. It conveys a profound message about the ancient village deities of Karnataka. Somas means Masks and Kunitha means dance. Somas are considered as the guardian angels or the body guards serving the feminine deity/ies of the villages. These entities are generally distinguished by two colours - the red one known as Kencha Raya and the yellow one known as Bootha Raya. Kenhcaraya serves as the divine protector of Lord Vishnu, and so, offerings of lamb and other animals are presented to pacify him. However, it is important to note that Booth Raya cannot be appeased through any form of slaughtering. The masks, which symbolize the protective angels, are crafted through a series of traditional procedures and then paraded in a procession. The two factions of celestial guardians also symbolize the devout followers of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishn...

Puppetry progenitor of the modern dramatic art, dates back to 2000 BC. It exists in all regions of the world like the Egyptians, Greeks, and some sections of the American continents. The role of puppets in spiritual and magical remedies has been part of it.  Besides ancient India, China, and Babylon. Puppetry in Asia is a traditional form and is the mother of all folk art forms.  The etymology of Puppetry can be traced from the Old French  ‘Poupette’, which is faring from the word ‘poupée’ meaning "a bird" or ‘a little doll’. Likewise, in Vulgar Latin root ‘Puppa’-meaning a chick or a doll. Likewise, in vulgar Latin root ‘Puppa-meaning a chick or a doll. This was adopted in Middle English in the 1530s as ‘Popet’-“Doll”. This adapted in Middle English in the  1530s as  ‘Popet’- "doll". "Doll moved by strings or wires". Again, this is the opinion of many historians and scientists who think that toys and dolls are the ancestors of the puppet. As Puppe...