BURRAKATHA
Advanced Print Design
The aim of this project has been to create designs suitable for screen printing on sarees for APCO (Andhra Pradesh State Handloom Weavers Cooperative Society).
Inspiration
Burrakatha is an oral storytelling art form deeply rooted in Andhra Pradesh villages. Comprising a main performer and two co-performers, it incorporates prayers, solo drama, dance, songs, poems, and jokes, addressing topics ranging from Hindu mythological stories to contemporary social issues.
Originating in Guntur district circa 1942, modern Burrakatha aimed to spread political ideas among illiterate villagers. The term "Burra" refers to the tambura, a musical string instrument, while "Katha" means story.
This traditional performance endures, especially during Dussehra or Sankranti festivals, narrating events from epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata, along with moral stories of kings.
Burrakatha, initially devotional songs for nomads, has transformed into a widely broadcasted art form in Andhra Pradesh. The modern rendition features three performers, irrespective of gender.
The main storyteller, or kathakoodu, narrates the tale, playing tambura and dancing with metal rings called andelu. Co-performers play earthen drums (gummeta) and wear anklets (gajjalu) for added musicality.
The right performer, hasyaka (joker), provides comic relief, while the left, rajakiya (politician), addresses worldly affairs.
Since our client was APCO, our concept needed to align with the Andhra theme. To ensure this, we conducted market research by visiting various saree stores. We explored popular colors and elements representing Andhra Pradesh. From this, I selected the concept of Burrakatha, an oral storytelling technique, performed in villages of Andhra Pradesh.
Concept
Having observed a Burrakatha video, I have come to the realization that I couldn't comprehend the language, and the performance seemed to lack physical movements. Recognizing that the essence of this art form lies in its audio elements, I have resolved to craft a unique pattern guided by the auditory cues of the performance.
Within this panel lies the comprehensive script of a burrakatha performance's audio cues. Two lines are to be simultaneously interpreted: the upper designates the instrument in play, while the lower discerns whether they are engaged in dialogue or song.
Exploration
During the iterative process, I have used the above image as a template, aiming to convey the same information through diverse shapes and forms while also exploring the interplay of negative space among the circles.
Trial
Final saree layouts
The layouts have been meticulously crafted with the consideration that the coloured base will be woven sarees.
Dejiner Log has been serving as our college's bi-annual in-house publication, within which I have authored an article spotlighting both this project and my underlying philosophy.
