The Dramaturgy of the Body in the Indian Theater as a Visible Poetry

Abstract

The Dramaturgy of the Body in the Indian Theatre as a Visible Poetry ‒ This article intends to analyze the concept of dṛśya kāvya (visible poetry) from the Indian scenic tradition, as a proposal to a dramaturgy of the body. Starting from the impact that the Asian scenic tradition caused in the European theater in the twentieth century, we will examine some concepts and acting techniques from the Indian classical dance-theater (specially Orissi and Kathakali), which are based in the translation of word into physical gesture. We also question the relevance of this discussion to a theater seeking to distance itself from a logocentric model, in an intercultural perspective. Keywords: Actor’s Craft. Interculturalism. Indian Classical Dance-Theatre. Kathakali. Orissi.