Konkan’s 800-year-old folk theatre Dashavtar comes to Pune for the first time

Speaking about bringing the art form to Pune, show producer Alok Thakkar said, “This is not the kind of theatre performance audiences in Pune are accustomed to"

The performance, part of the three-day Dasavatari Mahotsav being held from November 7 to 9, features renowned artist Dada Rane Konaskar and his troupe (Express Photo)

Pune will witness its first-ever performance of Dashavtar, a traditional folk theatre form from the Konkan region, at the Pune International Centre (PIC) on November 8 at 7 pm. The performance, part of the three-day Dasavatari Mahotsav being held from November 7 to 9, features renowned artist Dada Rane Konaskar and his troupe.

One of Maharashtra’s oldest folk traditions, Dashavtar is believed to be around 800 years old. From Matsya to Kalki, the act dramatises the ten avatars of lord Vishnu through a blend of devotional storytelling, music, dance and dialogue. The theatre is known for its striking makeup, colourful masks, and elaborate costumes.

Speaking about bringing the art form to Pune, show producer Alok Thakkar said, “This is not the kind of theatre performance audiences in Pune are accustomed to. Traditionally, Dashavtar is performed in temple courtyards after dinner in Konkani villages, where families gather to watch. Pune will now experience this art form for the first time, accompanied by live music played at the venue.”

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Konaskar, who leads the troupe, said, “I have been performing Dashavtar for the last 34 years. I am the third generation of Dashavtar artists in my family. While it has long been popular in the Konkan and Sindhudurg regions, the recent film based on Dashavtar helped introduce the art to a wider audience. Through this Mahotsav, we hope to showcase the richness and beauty of our culture to Pune.”

Shedding light on the art, he added, “It’s not only about the Vishnu avatars, it’s about all gods and their avatars, and our main intention is to introduce the new generation with our mythology, our tradition and our culture. Another important aspect that this brings forth is social enlightenment.”

Konaskar also highlighted how the act is for all age groups and can act as a bridge between generations.

Sharing his thoughts on the Dashavtar artists, Thakkar said, “As a festival producer, I’d like many other such art forms to come forward and join hands with us. We would like to take them to Punekars so they can enjoy varied art forms. be it Lavani or Dashavatar”

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The event is being organised by Urbanly Media in association with Siddharth Menon, the lead actor of the film Dasavatar.

Tickets for the event are available at the link provided below

https://puneinternationalcentre.us10.list-manage.com/track/click u=bf76bb6b342010e4a3eb7cf03&id=c53d7e919f&e=463f6fe056

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