Members of puppet group and their functions

The puppet troupes are consisted with of seven to ten members, however it may be different in case of different troupe according to their techniques of performance.

The members are given name according to their responsibility. They are-

Sutradhar:

Sutradhar is the key person of puppetry. Presence of Sutradhar is mendatory in every form of folk drama. He plays the role of producer as well as director of the troupe. Sutradhar is like a bridge between audience and actor.Sutradhar or manipulators make puppets dance. They stand behind the black screen at the back.As the garland maker makes garland by collecting various kind of flowers, the Sutradhar tries his best to make the performance successful. Sutradhars plays versatile roles.Sutradhar establishes correspondence between dialogue and physical movements of the puppets. Puppeteer was known as “Tatekia bajigar” in medieval Assam.

Gayan Bayana:

Gayan recites the story and forwards the play.He must be expert in singing and playing musical instruments.

Pali:

Palis are assistants of gayana bayana. One or two palis small cymbal i.e. “juri”, “manjira” and so on plays and other two or three recites song.