Nacha : folk theatre from Chattisgarh

The video is a presentation on Nacha, the popular folk theatre form of Chhattisgarh. The Nacha is a vibrant folk theatre form where the performers and the audience all belong to the local Chhattishgarhi speaking communities. It includes many traditional and folk songs like the Karma, Dadariya, Sua, Sohar, Panthi, Pandwani etc. in its repertoire. There are four types of Nacha performances, the Khade Saaj Nacha which is the oldest form, the Gandawa Nacha which is performed by musicians of the Gandawa community during weddings, the Devar Nacha of the nomadic Devar community and the Baithe Saaj or Gammat Nacha which is the most popular one. In all Nacha forms with the exception of the Devar Nacha the female roles are played by male performers dressed as women. In Nacha importance is given to the expressions of the performers. The Nacha performances are usually held during night time.