The Dollu Kunitha and Pata Kunitha performance demonstrations were presented by the students of the 11th Batch of the National School of Drama (NSD), Bengaluru Centre, on 3rd October 2026, at the NSD Bengaluru premises, under the guidance of Shri Prashanth M. S., an alumnus, choreographer and Programme Coordinator of NSD Bengaluru Centre.

The demonstrations introduced students to the rich traditions of Dollu Kunitha and Pata Kunitha, traditional folk performance forms of Karnataka, providing valuable practical training in physical expression, rhythm, movement and the effective utilisation of performance space. Through structured exercises and collective performance, students explored how fundamental physical movements can evolve into powerful theatrical expressions when combined with rhythmic precision, artistic intention and coordinated group energy.

The sessions focused on developing essential performance skills, including physical strength, stamina, rhythmic precision, body awareness, movement coordination, spatial orientation, ensemble synchronisation and non-verbal communication. The training also encouraged students to explore the relationship between physical movement, emotional expression and collective storytelling.

By engaging with these indigenous folk traditions, students gained a deeper appreciation of Karnataka's cultural heritage and its significance in contemporary theatre. The demonstrations further encouraged them to reinterpret traditional movement vocabularies as meaningful theatrical expressions, enriching their creative abilities, physical discipline and overall understanding of performance practices.