Drama

 The phenomena called either/all “drama,” “theatre,” “performance” occur among all the world's peoples and date back as far as historians, archeologists, and anthropologists can go. Evidence indicates that dancing, singing, wearing masks and/ or costumes, impersonating either other men, animals, or supernaturals, acting out stories, presenting time at time, isolating and preparing special places and/or times for these presentations, and individual or group preparations or rehearsals are coexistent with the human condition.From the philosophical roots and theories of tragedy, through its inextricable relationship with drama, to its impact upon post-dramatic forms, this is the definitive work in its field. Lehmann plots a course through the history of dramatic thought, taking in Aristotle, Plato, Seneca, Nietzsche, Heidegger, Lacan, Shakespeare, Schiller, Holderlin, Wagner, Maeterlinck, Yeats, Brecht, Kantor, Heiner Müller and Sarah Kane.

I have been watching dramas on youtube but real drama exists in our life as ritual and perfomances.These choreographic celebrations are not only performed to entertain spectators but also as part of the regular cult of supernatural deities. They are sacred events, suffused with religious significance. Plays adopt such a serious tone that participants become possessed by the deities they incarnate and are presented with various offerings throughout the drama. These performances, acted out in the open air, near temples, belong to pre-modern phases in the development of theatre, which is still dominated by religion and ethical values.They are ritually framed and include narration, music (drums, cymbals and long trumpets), dance, chants and ritual procedures performed in front of spectators and audiences. Their aesthetic qualities greatly contribute to the efficacy of the rituals. Indeed, the two functions, religious and aesthetical, overlap. The vision of the spectacle itself is a pious act.

As a resident of Nepal I have been observing all the activities of Dashai and Tihar in Nepal. Generally Dashain falls in late September to mid-October, right after the end of the monsoon season. It is “a day of Victory over Demons”. The Newars celebrate the festival as Mohani.Music and dance are an integral part of Nepalese culture, with a range of traditional genres and instruments being used in performances. Some of the most famous traditional music styles in Nepal include the classical Newari music, the devotional music of the Kathmandu Valley, and the Bhajan singing of rural areas. Traditional dance in Nepal is also rich and diverse, with styles ranging from the energetic and exuberant Charya dance to the more contemplative and graceful Kathak dance.

Traditional music and dance play an important role in Nepalese culture and society, reflecting the diverse religious, ethnic, and regional traditions of the country. Nepalese music is characterized by a rich variety of instruments, including drums, flutes, and stringed instruments, as well as vocal styles that range from classical to folk.

One of the most significant forms of traditional Nepalese music is "Dohori," which originated in rural areas and is characterized by fast-paced and improvisational songs that often involve witty exchanges between male and female singers. Another popular form of traditional music is "Lok Geet," which translates to "people's song" and is a genre of folk music that is closely tied to daily life and social events.

Traditional Nepalese dance is equally diverse, encompassing both religious and secular forms. The "Mask Dance," for example, is a religious dance performed during the festivals of Hinduism and Buddhism, while the "Jhankri Dance" is a secular dance that is performed by the shamanic communities of the country.

The traditional music and dance of Nepal are closely tied to religious rituals and celebrations, reflecting the deep connection between religious and cultural traditions in the country. For example, the "Dashain Festival" is a major Hindu festival that is celebrated with music, dance, and other cultural activities, and is an important expression of Nepalese identity and cultural heritage.

The influence of religion on Nepalese art, literature, music, and dance is undeniable. Hinduism and Buddhism have played a major role in shaping the cultural forms of Nepal, with religious themes and motifs being a common feature in paintings, sculptures, literature, and performance arts. For example, the Ramayana and Jatakas are religious texts that have inspired countless works of art and literature in Nepal, and devotional music and dance are an important part of religious celebrations and ceremonies.

Religion plays a crucial role in shaping the art, literature, music, and dance of Nepal. Hinduism and Buddhism have both had a profound influence on Nepalese culture and have shaped its traditional art forms in significant ways.

In terms of art, the intricate carvings found on temples and monuments in Nepal reflect the influence of Hinduism, which reveres the gods and goddesses of the Hindu pantheon. These carvings often depict scenes from Hindu mythology and are considered works of art in their own right