Abhinaya Darpana

Abhinaya Darpana is a classical Indian treatise on the art of expression and performance in dance and drama, written by the scholar Nandikeshvara in the 10th century. It systematically explores how actors use facial expressions, gestures, voice, and body movements to convey emotions, stories, and spiritual themes. The work outlines techniques for mastering emotional expression (abhinaya) to create compelling performances that resonate with audiences. Essentially, it serves as a detailed manual for performers aiming to communicate nuanced human experiences through coordinated physical and emotional artistry, laying a foundational framework for Indian classical dance and theater.