Book, Natya: classical theater of India[LS]

In Natya, some of the complexity of Indian society is revealed to the reader, through the lens of one of its most enchanting cultural manifestations, its classical dance theater. The author explains and unravels the rites and secrets of this theater, its exuberance and richness, the symbolic relevance of gestures, plots, colors and lights, without neglecting to point out some of the many contradictions of an unequal, rigid and sexist caste society. The book is a window through which we can observe and feel a little of the mysteries and fascination of an ancient society. FOURTH COVER Natya: Classical Theater of India is a passionate and in-depth look at the traditions and challenges of an ancient culture, seen by one of its great experts among us. Almir Ribeiro gives us a vigorous and loving introduction to the arts and sacredness of India, from its classic texts to its main exponents today. It begins by addressing the cultural tradition of epic dance, the founding texts and myths, the current context, without shying away from the persistent social problems that also manifest themselves in the sphere of the arts, such as the hierarchical rigidity of castes and sexism, always based on your deep personal experience. Afterwards, it analyzes the relationship between Hindu theater and the West, its reception and the influence exerted on fundamental characters such as Gordon Craig, Richard Schechner and Peter Brook. Here, the different facets of personal experience and cultural tradition come together to compose a work that goes beyond its specificity and brings us closer to a rich and living culture. STUDIES COLLECTION The Studies collection aims to publish critical essays and research treated in depth, with solid theoretical arguments in the most varied fields of knowledge. The collection forms, together with Debates, the publisher's identification mark in our market. FROM THE COVER Cover image: Kottakkal Nanda Kumaran, Kathakali performance. Photo by Aglaia Azevedo. The richness of colors, the evidence of gesture, the textures and shapes in the mask and clothing. The magic of classical theater can be seen in this image of a khathakali performance.