The Sanskrit Drama in its Origin, Development, Theory & Practice c22.1

c22.1

THE Sanskrit drama of the theorists is, despite its complexity, essentially intended for performance, nor is there the slightest doubt that the early dramatists were anything but composers of plays meant only to be read. They were connoisseurs, we may be certain, in the merits which would accrue to their works from the accessories of the dance, music, song, and the attractions of acting; the *Vikramorvaçī* must, for instance, have had much of the attraction of an opera, and as a mere literary work loses seriously in attraction.