Traditional string puppet theatre of Karnataka in south-west India. String puppets have different names in Karnataka depending on the region. In the southern part of Mysore they are called sutrada gombeyata (sutra: string, gombeyata: dance), whereas the term yakshagana (chant of celestial beings) is used in the northern style, yakshagana gombeyata. They present little difference in terms of costumes, make-up, repertory themes, performance structure and music.
Sutrada gombeyata puppets are one metre high and weigh between 6 and 8 kilograms. They are carved by sculptors from light rot-resistant wood. Unlike yakshagana gombeyata puppets, which have legs and are articulated at the knees and ankles, sutrada gombeyata puppets are legless with long dresses floating under their upper torso. The puppeteers make each puppet play multiple roles and transform them during the performance. Their round faces painted in blue, red and yellow can change into a hero or a demon, a hunter or a forest hermit.
The repertory consists of episodes from the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and the Puranas with numerous additional clown scenes and ritual commemorations: Arati (fire) adoration and invocation to Ganesh.
The stage, whose dimensions vary depending on the region, is usually set up outside the temple of Kali. The visible part measures about 180 centimetres by 120 centimetres with a depth of 75 centimetres. The rest of the stage is covered by dark cloth in order to hide the puppeteers. Each puppet, suspended by six black strings (two tied to the ears, two to the hands, and two to the hips), is handled by the puppeteer who directs its movements with his two hands as he talks and sings.
A group of musicians – invited and paid by the puppeteers – comprised of a Bhagavathar, the group leader and solo singer who also beats on the tala (small copper cymbals), and other musicians who play the maddale (horizontal two-skinned drum), chende (vertical two-skinned drum), harmonium, and mukhaveena (wind instrument from the oboe family).
Today, there are troupes and traditional families performing sutrada gombeyata, some of whom are master puppeteers recognized locally and sometimes nationally for their contribution to the art of puppetry.