Oggu Katha
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A folk ballad theatre of the Kuruma and Golla (Yadava) communities, telling stories of deities such as Mallanna to the beat of the small oggu drum.
Folk theatreWhere: Villages across TelanganaOccasion: Village festivals, jataras of Mallanna and Beerappa, and family rituals
| Performed by | Troupes of a few singer-storytellers from the Kuruma and Golla communities |
|---|---|
| Costume | Colourful dhotis and turbans or costumes for the characters, with ankle bells |
| Music and instruments | The oggu, a small hourglass-shaped hand drum like a damaru, with cymbals and the narrator's songs |
How it is performed
- The lead storyteller sings and narrates the tale while the others repeat lines and play the oggu and cymbals.
- Performers act out the roles of gods, heroes and villagers, changing voice and expression.
- Dialogue, humour and fast drumming keep the audience involved, often through the night.
- Stories usually come from local legends, such as the marriage of Mallanna or tales of Beerappa and Yellamma.
Significance
Oggu Katha keeps the oral history and faith of the shepherd communities alive and has been carried to new audiences by noted artists such as Chukka Sattaiah.