A study of the musical poetical forms and their contribution to the emotional expressions in the sokari drama
Date
2000-12-16
Authors
Seneheweera, L
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Peradeniya
Abstract
Kolam, Nadagam. and the Sokari have been established as the folk drama in Sri Lanka. Kolam is a kind of a dramatic pcrfonnance. which survives today chiefly in coastal townships in South in Sri Lanka. particularly in Ambalangoda and Bentara. Nadagamas have been popular mostly in villages and townships along the western coast. from Chilaw in the north right down to places like Tangalle in the South.
The Sokari is a folk ritual drama with much dramatic entertainment. confined to the Uda Rata and the Vanniya. Presently it is performed in the villages around Kandy. Traditions of Sokari performed at Uda Dumbara. Matale. Konakallagala. Vehigala arc well known, This ritual play in many of its tradition is performed to get the blessings of the goddess Paththini, However. in some tradition Kataragama with that part is emphasized: the story enumerates how Guruhamy and Sokari after their marriage came to Sri Lanka from South India to visit the famous devale of Kataragarna in order to get the blessings of that god to beget a child.
The story is dramatically presented by players who resort to mime. dance and stylized movements as a backup for the normal prose and verse dialogue. In addition. there is much variation in poetical forms. although it may seem monotonous for a non-initiate. The play is lyrical and consists of a large number of verses. These could be divided into two categories of metrical and non-metrical composition, both of which could again be subdivided into measured and unmeasured forms: a large number of meters including Samudurugos. yagi. so on. Furthermore. it uses a large number of poetical forms such as sivupada. gi. sahali. as well as musical forms of rhythm. melody. and tempo.
One could sum up that Sokan play is based on the genuine folk. poetical. and musical traditions of the upcountry tradition of Sri Lanka. The aim of the present research is to highlight this basic musical tradition,
Description
Keywords
Fine Arts , Music , Poet , Sokari Drama
Citation
Proceedings and Abstract of the Annual Research Sessions, December 16, 2000, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka pp 67-76