नाट्यशास्त्रम् (प्रथम भाग - अभिनवभारती एवं हिन्दी टीका सहित)

542	THE NATYASASTRA	[ XXXV. 31-

Imitative impersonation

31-32. When a man impersonates a woman's character¹ the impersonation is called "imitative" (rūpānusāriṇī). [Following this very principle] a man's character may, at one's option, be represented by a woman. But in cases of such an inversion of roles (lit. mutual efforts), one should see that persons employed are neither old nor ugly (lit. should make them old or ugly).

Suitability of women in some roles

33-35. Characters of delicate nature¹ are always² to be represented by women, and hence³ such roles of gods and mortals [are mostly to be represented]⁴ likewise. [For] just as among the gods (svarge)⁵ drama depends on [females like] Rambhā, Urvaśī and the like, similarly among the mortals (mānuṣe loke) too the same rule holds good in the harem of kings. And [hence] teachers (ācārya)⁶ should instruct women [in acting] according to the Śāstras.

35-36. As amorousness (vilāsa) is natural in women they possess likewise naturally graceful limbs which are easily accessible to the Sauṣṭhava. But the men's Lolling (lalita) should depend on decorative movements (alaṅkāra).

Training for women in different roles

37. A good Director (lit. wise man) should not get women's roles supervised by himself (syayam). But masculine (lit. production depending on men when assigned to women should be carefully directed [by him].

Result of proper assignment of roles

38. Roles assigned to persons of various nature, and age,

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31-32 (C.19-20; K.XXVI.4-5). ¹ As in the Shakespearian stage. Ag. (p. 502) explains bāliśa as virūpa (ugly).
33-35 (C.21-23a; K.XXVI.6-8.). ¹ bhūmikāṃ sukumārām, C. bhūyiṣṭham, K.) ² nityam, C. vṛttam, K. ³ atyartham C. ityartham K. ⁴ mānuṣiṇām, C. prakṛtinām, K. ⁵ Cf. Vikram. III. (Viṣkambhaka). ⁶ The trans. is tentative.
35-36 (C.24b-25; K.XXVI.12-13a). ¹ See NŚ. XI. 88-91.
37 (C.26a, 56c; K.XXVI.10a-11b).
38 (C.16; 26b; K.XXVI.10b-11a).