Mangaluru: An audience's murmur replaced linguistic distance as Yakshagana spoke in English at a cultural event in Belgium, expanding the reach of the centuries-old art form. In a first of its kind in Europe, Yakshadhruva Patla Foundation Europe presented a full Yakshagana story in English at a cultural evening organised by the Embassy of India in Belgium on Saturday.
The programme also featured a Bharatanatyam performance by Shilpa Abhiram. Traditionally performed in Kannada, Yakshagana is known for its elaborate costumes, energetic narration and rhythmic music. While English adaptations have been attempted earlier in India and elsewhere by PV Aithal's team, this was the first time a complete Yakshagana story was staged in English anywhere in Europe, said Yakshagana artiste and enthusiast Guru Ajeeth Prabhu.
The troupe presented Hanumarjuna in a one-hour format, adapting the narrative into simple English for wider accessibility. The performance retained its traditional structure, with recorded background music in Kannada anchoring the form. With growing interest among European audiences and members of the Indian diaspora unfamiliar with Kannada, Yakshagana performances are increasingly being organised across the continent, taking the art beyond linguistic boundaries while keeping its core intact.
This milestone performance demonstrates the adaptability of Yakshagana, a traditional dance-drama from coastal Karnataka, which combines dance, music, and dialogue. The English adaptation was carefully crafted to preserve the essence of the original story while making it comprehensible to non-Kannada speakers. The event attracted a diverse audience, including diplomats, cultural enthusiasts, and members of the Indian community in Belgium.
Organisers hope that this initiative will pave the way for more such adaptations, allowing Yakshagana to gain global recognition. The success of the event underscores the growing appetite for Indian classical arts in Europe and the potential for cross-cultural exchange through language adaptation.
