Introduction to Burrakatha (Telugu)

Introduction to BurraKatha

Experience the Rhythm of Storytelling Through Voice, Music, and Tradition

Overview

This course aims to introduce students to the fundamentals of playwriting, focusing on character development, dialogue, and dramatic structure. Students will explore creative storytelling through scene writing and theatrical expression. They will analyze plays, write original scripts, and participate in peer feedback sessions. The course emphasizes writing for performance and understanding the collaborative nature of theatre. By the end, students will develop and refine their own short play or dramatic scenes.

Who Should Enroll?

To discover the rich heritage of Telugu folk art and master the powerful blend of storytelling, music, and performance through Burrakatha.

What You’ll Gain:

Understanding of Burrakatha's historical and cultural roots
Familiarity with traditional instruments like the Burra
Skills in expressive storytelling and voice modulation
Training in integrating music and rhythm with narration
Teamwork and coordination in group performance

Course Objectives

Develop Creative Scripts

Master Rhythmic Narration

Perform as a Team

Explore the Origins

Learning Modules

Course Outline

Week 1:

Intro to Narrative singing , Telugu Language and Literacy Influence and confluence What makes Burrakatha a special art form

Week 2

Art of Burra Katha, Instruments, Performing Artists group intro and requirements; and significance

Week 3

“Palanati Yuddham ” Burrakatha intro and overview; aspects.

Week 4

“Palanati Yuddham : Introductions of “Brahmanaya Ghatam”( TANDHANA Dance walk Traits, DEENUVU GIRI Dance walk)

Week 5

“Nayaki Nagamma” Character traits on the Battle filed -“Neerche ” Episode “Syi ” Dance Walk Traits ; RAGADA Literature detailed study

Week 6

Review of previous 4classes; BurraKatha Characters- group selection from the enrolled batch( Main character; Political Structure; Impromptu Comedy- Dialogue exchange)

Week 7

“Palanati Yuddham Characters study of Bhramanayamaacharla; Naagamagurajaala Episode study; ( study includes detailed-Descriptive analysis Dance Walk;;and song

Week 8

Marriage Episode – Balachandra and Manchala; “DURITHA Tandana” dance walk

Week 9

War Episode- Nagamma and Nrahmanaayaka ( using Birds(hencocks in the Fight) ; UpaTandaana Dance Walk

Week 10

War Episode: Palanaati Bala chandra ( DAMARUKI Gati Dance Walk; HARINI Gati Dance Walk ;

Week 11

Closing Episode- BHALI BHALI dance walk with detailed analysis of Walk; Lyrics; Tempo and Rythms and Beats

Week 12

Review of past lessons; Instruments( Vaadhya) DARUVU used detailed analysis; ( TABURA Beats and steps-Andelu; GUMMITA Dharuvu

Week 13

BURRA KATHA Singing Group – Detailed learning and study on Postures pertaining to Theatrical aspects; Foot work presentation; fast body

Week 14

BURRA KATHA – AHARYAM Face Makeup and Dresses and jewelry detailed study

Week 15

BURRAKATHA- Enacting; Significance; Sustainability of the art form

Duration

15 Weeks – 90 Mins/Week
Course Fees

$450
Classes

Every Friday, starting from January 30st, 2025 6PM (PST)
Certificate

Students will receive certificate of completion. Students enrolled in “For CREDIT’ will also receive TRANSCRIPT.

Faculty

Born on July 1st-1962 in Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh, Bharat (India) to father “Padmashri” “ BurraKatha Pitamaha” Sheikh Nasser and mother Adambi.

Kala Prasthanam : Since Babuji hails from a family of affluent stars , his journey began from learning from the legend Sri Nasser in the early childhood days. Journey began in 1986, as a young graduate in Hindu Kalasala in Andhra Pradesh State, India, where his singing journey was recognized and got him many awards.

The then Natak Akademi president film actress Late Jamuna,and her father conducted a training camp in which Babuji participated and got certificated in the Burrakatha training camp. In1988 “A new Burrakatha work titled NTR Prabhanjanam” Babuji got a chance to perform the main character in the Burrakatha troupe as the main storyteller which made him famous as an artist of caliber and repute.

Titles Awards: 2016: Kalaratna (Swan) Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidugaru 2012 Ugadi Award. Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Garu, 2024 Kirti Puraskar, Po. Mr. V. V. Hyderabad. Poornakumbhampuraskaram. Bhimavaram. NATS Folk Literature Award Guntur.

Books Authored: Burrakatha Kalabodhini, Burrakatha Vani, Ganakalashastra (out of print) Art Training Camps : Year2014. NSD. Bangalore. Year 2018 Telangana State Department of Language and Culture, Year 2000. Mahilasamakhya Mangalagiri Conducted 15 camps through various organizations.