Indian Theatre: Theatres of South India

Name	Location	Features
Villu Paatu	Kerala and some parts of Tamil Nadu	Stories of Ramayana are narrated using bow shaped instruments.
Yakshagana	Kerala and Karnataka	It originated in the royal courts of the Vijayanagara empire and was performed by a particular community known as Jakkula Varu. It is strongly influenced by Vaishnava Bhakti Movement.
Burra Katha	Andhra Pradesh	The percussion instrument was used extensively during the performance.
Pagati Veshaalu	Telangana and Andhra Pradesh	It is primarily a role-playing act, revolving around a principal character known as vesham (disguise).
Bayalata	Karnataka	It is an open-air theatre performed during the worship of the local deity. Themes are based on the love of Radha and Krishna.
Tal-Maddale	Karnataka and Kerala	It is generally considered as the predecessor of Yakshagana. The narration is done by a Bhagavata who is aided by a group of Arthadharis.
Theyyam	Kerala	It is similar to a practice in Karnataka, called Bhuta Kola. It is an open theatre and is performed in front of the local temples to mainly honour the spirit of the ancestors besides gods.
Krishnanattam	Kerala	Based on the life of Lord Krishna.
Kuruvanji	Tamil Nadu	The theme revolves around a love-struck heroine.