Abhinaya

Abhinaya (Sanskrit abhi- 'towards' + nii- 'leading/guide') is the art of expression in Indian aesthetics. More accurately it means "leading an audience towards" the experience (bhava) of a sentiment (rasa). The concept, derived from Bharata Muni's Natya Shastra, is used as an integral part of all Indian classical dance styles.[1]

Abhinaya has four interrelated aspects: angika (the body), vacika (the voice), aharya (costumes, make-up, scenery), and sattvika (mental states). [2]

  1. ^ Tarla Mehta (1995). Sanskrit Play Production. Motilal Banarsidass.pp. 131–186
  2. ^ The Companion to Theatre and Performance. Oxford University Press. 2010. ISBN 9780199574193.