Prahalad Natak is traditional theatre form with a one-play repertoire, native to the southern districts of
Orissa. It is more prevalent in
Ganjam District.
Prahalad Natak is usually performed in a five or six-tiered open stage, at the summit of which Hiranyakashipu’s throne is placed. The text of Prahalad Natak contains 120 songs written by Gopinath Parichha, who belonged to the court of Raja Ramakrishna Chhotray of Jalantar (now in {Andhra Pradesh). There are about 20 characters in the play, nearly all are required to dance, mime and use stylized gestures. The costumes and make-up in the play are typical. The language of the play is a mixture of Sanskrit and colloquial Oriya.
