RANGOTSAVA
H N KALAKSHETRA
15 November to 18 November 2009
To celebrate 10 years of Rangasourabha, a theatre festival was organized to showcase some of the well renowned productions. 4 plays : Madaari Madayya, Kakana Kote, Mysooru Mallige and Shastra Parva were staged over 4 days at H N Kalakshetra.
MADAARI MADAYYA
RANGASOURABHA
15 February 2009
DIRECTION
Jayaram Tatachar
PLAYWRIGHT
H S Shivaprakash
The lore of Male Madeshwara speaks of a legend, a messiah like Prometheus of Greece, Jesus of Blake and Ogan of Yoruba. He transcended the boundaries of humanity and divinity and became an end unto himself. He, who freed everyone from all bonds, who dispelled darkness, is not just a god, but the ultimate ideal for his followers. This play retells the heart of Madeshwara Legend – Slaying of Shravana the King. Shravana in his blind lust for power, defeats every god and makes mother nature his prisoner. Shravana, in this interpretation, is us, the humanity trying to tame the nature. In presenting the miracles of madayya, not in its exact essence but as a playful ritual, the whole play becomes deeply symbolic. The play with its mythical undertones and modern outlook is very relevant in today’s world.
KAKANA KOTE
RANGASOURABHA
16 February 2009
DIRECTION
Nataraj Honnavalli
PLAYWRIGHT
Masti V Iyengar
Kakana Kote is a master piece of Masti Venkatesh Iyengar. It has its own accord in worlds of Theatre and literature. The forest in and around the area Heggadadevana Kote of Mysore District is called Kakana Kote. The story of the play revolves around the man kaka (Kacha) and the tribe kurubas. At the time of the play, the tribe was at large and had a rich ethical culture. During the reign of Ranadhira Kanteerava king of Mysore, dispute arose between the tribe and the local administrator Heggade. The dispute was due to excess levy of tax. This was solved by Kaka who knew the king well.This play is written in early 20th century. Yet this play becomes relevant even today. The growing problem of globalization reflects through the play. Heggade tries to destroy the tribal culture and evacuate them from the forest. Today, the giant MNC’s have become Heggade and we the tribe. The play attains new light when the nature is at the verge of destruction and the new generation losing cultural values.
MYSOORU MALLIGE
RANGASOURABHA
17 February 2009
DIRECTION
Rajendra Karanth
PLAYWRIGHT
Rajendra Karanth
K S Narasimha swamy was and is a beloved poet of Karnataka. His love ballets had become the personal messages of love for thousands of men and women. His most famous work “Mysooru Mallige” is one of the most acclaimed and popular poetry collections of kannada literature. This play, celebrates the life and work of Narasimhaswamy. The portrayal of a difficult, yet love filled life of a poet interspersed with famous songs of narasimhaswamy, is not just a literary treat, but also a visual one. The play has many melodious tunes composed by music legends like C Ashwath and Mysore Anantha Swamy. Mysooru Mallige – with more than 30 shows under its belt – is one of Ranga Sourabha’s most acclaimed and popular plays.
SHASTRA PARVA
RANGASOURABHA
18 February 2009
DIRECTION
Krishnamurthy Kavathar
PLAYWRIGHT
Siddalinga Pattanashetty
The ravages of the war spread across the expanse of Kurukshetra, has always made a great setting for stories and plays. This play raises questions about man’s lust for power, his vulnerability, his deepest desires and sorrows through the age old tale of Mahabharata. This play, through metaphors, tries to unveil the devious plans of power hungry countries trying to create a blood thirsty world for their selfish reasons. The play, uses powerful imagery, and music to convey a very important message – a plea for peace.
Ranga Sourabha represented Bangalore University, and this play won the 1st Place in the National Level Inter University Competitions held at Rothak, Hariyana.
