<P> Nautanki is one of the most popular folk operatic theater performance forms of South Asia, particularly in northern India . Before the advent of Bollywood (the Hindi film industry), Nautanki was the biggest entertainment medium in the villages and towns of northern India . Nautanki's rich musical compositions and humorous, entertaining storylines hold a strong influence over rural people's imagination . Even after the spread of mass media (such as television and DVDs), a crowd of 10,000 to 15,000 can be seen at the top Nautanki performances . Nautanki's origins lie in the Saangit, Bhagat, and Swang musical theatre traditions of Northern India . One Saangit called Saangit Rani Nautanki Ka became so popular that the whole genre's name became Nautanki . </P> <P> Nautanki performances are operas based on a popular folk theme derived from romantic tales, mythologies, or biographies of local heroes . The performance is often punctuated with individual songs, dances, and skits, which serve as breaks and comic relief for audiences . Audiences sometimes use the breaks to go to the toilet or pick up food from their homes or nearby shops . Nautanki performances involve a lot of community participation from audiences . For instance, community members provide logistical support, financial support, and talented actors for Nautanki performances . Audience members choose what script will be performed and often intervene during the performance to demand a repeat of a particular song or skit . </P> <P> Nautanki performances can take place in any open space available in or around a village that can accommodate audiences in hundreds or thousands . Sometimes this space is made available by the village chaupal (village community center). Other times, the playground of the local school becomes the performance site . A Nautanki stage is elevated above the ground and is made up of wooden cots (usually provided by local villagers). Until a few decades back, there was no electricity in Indian villages, so light was provided either by big lanterns or Petromax (a device run by kerosene oil). </P> <P> The pleasure of Nautanki lies in the intense melodic exchanges between two or three performers; a chorus is used sometimes . </P>

Kathak nautanki and kajri are art form of