When the Gods Play - India's Folk and Classical Traditions of Sanskrit Theater and Dance
 

 We will study the various aspects of Natya - folk and classical theater and dance: its modes of expression, narratives and plays, the history of texts and styles, street and social theater forms, music and musical instruments, the influences on Indian cinema and the language of gestures using eyes, body postures and hand mudras. We will explore the Hindu notions of "Darshan" "Rasa" and "Lila" as they are expressed in the classical Sanskrit theater, in the narrative Abhinaya dance, in the Southern Indian dances of the "spirit possession" and by a travelling theater specialising in mythological subjects.