Traditional Puppetry and Cultural Performances
A window into the world of Dhaatu, where ancient Indian storytelling comes alive through handcrafted puppets, classical dance, and heritage performances.
This is the stage for our production, "Vijayanagara Vaibhava," set against the magnificent Gagan Mahal in Anegundi. We believe in creating immersive experiences, where the performance setting is as grand and authentic as the stories we tell. This show brings to life the golden era of the Vijayanagara kings, celebrating a time when art and culture flourished.
Here is a close-up of one of our handcrafted puppets representing the tribals of Malwa. Every puppet is a labor of love, meticulously carved, painted, and adorned with traditional attire and jewelry. We focus on these details to ensure each character on stage is not just a puppet, but a personality with its own story.
Through our puppets, we narrate stories that are central to the Indian identity, including tales from our freedom struggle. This performance recounts the story of Vidurashwatha, known as the Jallianwala Bagh of the South. We see it as our duty, our kartavya, to keep these important historical memories alive for the next generation.
We often blend traditional string puppetry with classical dance, a unique fusion that brings a dynamic energy to our storytelling. In this scene from "Malavikaagnimitram," a live dancer interacts with the puppets, creating a beautiful dialogue between two distinct art forms. This combination allows for a richer, multi-layered performance.
The journey of each puppet begins in our workshop, with my own hands. Here, I am giving life to a character by painting its features, a process that requires immense focus and a deep connection to the art form. This hands-on approach ensures that the soul of the story is embedded in every puppet we create.
A performance is only complete with its audience. This image captures a moment where children and adults are engrossed in our puppet show. Our goal is to create a shared experience that transcends age, offering something real and memorable that brings families and communities together.
Our work is dedicated to preserving and promoting the traditional arts of Bharata, a commitment that was recently honored with the Padma Shri. This video showcases some of the puppets from my installation at the Bangalore Airport, which depicts the nine emotions or 'rasas'. It is a blessing to see this art form receive such recognition.
About Featured
Each performance is a commitment to the Dakshina Bharata sampradaya, where we bring epic narratives to life using handcrafted wooden puppets. Whether you are hosting an educational workshop or a grand stage production, our team manages the entire technical setup—including self-standing stages, audio, and logistics—to ensure an authentic experience for your audience.
At Dhaatu, our work is a form of service. We aim to preserve the traditional arts of Bharata, moving beyond simple entertainment to share stories that have shaped our history.
Our Range of Performances
We adapt our storytelling to the scale of your event:
- Classic String Puppet Performances: Ideal for intimate settings and traditional events, these 60-minute shows feature our hand-carved puppets and pre-recorded high-fidelity narration. We provide a complete 10x8ft proscenium stage to maintain the aesthetic integrity of the performance.
- Grand Theatrical Productions: For large-scale gatherings, we offer productions like 'Vijayanagara Vaibhava' or 'Malavikaagnimitram.' These are multi-layered spectacles that integrate live Bharatanatyam dancers with rod and string puppets, complete with elaborate backdrops, lighting, and stagecraft.
- Educational Workshops: We believe art is a tool for learning. Our 90-minute lecture-demonstrations provide a deep dive into puppet mechanics, history, and the philosophy behind our craft, allowing participants to handle practice puppets and engage directly with the artists.
The Dhaatu Process
Every puppet you see in our shows, from the characters in our Ramayana sets to the figures representing our freedom struggle, is crafted by hand in our workshop. We pay meticulous attention to traditional jewelry, costumes, and movement, drawing inspiration from temple art like the Hoysala style. When we travel for a show, we ensure the entire production, including the puppets and stage equipment, is handled with the care a sacred art form deserves.
Dhaatu
I am Anupama Hoskere, and for my team at Dhaatu and me, puppetry is a kartavya—a duty to keep our stories alive. We dedicate ourselves to the tradition of Dakshina Bharata sampradaya, ensuring that every performance connects the audience to our rich history and cultural heritage.
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