presentations. In Taala-maddale the person who
represents and delineates a character in any chosen
episode does so by explaining and interpreting the stanza
sung by the Bhagavatha singer. The stanza provides the
framework for explanation and exposition, which can
be a real test of knowledge, interpretative acumen, gift
of the gab and indeed an ability to conjure up a verbal
world of reality. The character delineations which it
provides for through dialogues can indeed make up for
the absence of visual theatricality which Yakshagana
offers. Dr. Prabhakara Joshi is today considered as one
of the finest exponents of this intensely cerebral art-form.
He is a star performer in Taala-maddale, - spoken of in
the same breath as the great masters of the past like,
Sheni, Samaga, Deraje, Polali and the like, - and his
virtuoso presentations and interpretations of such varied
characters as Raama, Vaali, Raavana, Shurpanakhi,
Bharatha, Krishna, Bhishma, Kaurava, Uttara Kumara,
Shalya, Dharmaraja and others are hailed as both original
and thought-provoking. His extensive knowledge of the
puranas and his critical understanding of its contours,
characters, meanings and imports are amply borne out
in his performances. He is able to relive the puranic
characters and yet relate them to the world we live in.
His knowledge of Sanskrit and eloquence in presentation
as well as his penchant for turn of phrases and his sense
of humour have been his unfailing allies. Dr Joshi is an
acknowledged star in this field and his name itself is a
huge advertisement to the programme announced as
having his participation. His fame as the Taala-maddale
has reached lands across the seas, and he has performed
in countries like the U.S. and Canada to regale the
audience there.
As an interpreter and critic of Yakshagana and
Taala-maddale, Dr Joshi has fiercely stood for certain
values. Rooted in tradition and yet open to change, there
is an in-built tension in these art forms between what is
hailed as tradition and what is demanded as change.
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