There was Kongai Staged at Alliance Francaise, Chennai. | Photo Credit: R. Ragu
shraddha latest drama There was KongaiThis novel written by Indira Parthasarathy shows us contemporary relevance ShilappadhikaramThe powerful lines of the author left a deep impact on the hearts of the listeners.
The play begins with Kovalan (Swaminathan) returning home after a long time. He flatters Kannagi and tells her that it is wrong for a woman to be beautiful and not realize it. But as a jealous lover, he gets angry when Madhavi later tells him the same thing.
Madhavi points out the double standards of the world. Kaveri does not spurn the Chola king because he conquered Ganga.
This is the dharma prescribed for a man – that he can seek solace in the arms of another woman and yet return to his wife as if nothing had happened. The playwright points out that Madhavi’s dance is priceless but sadly, Madhavi has a price. Kannagi and Madhavi are victims not of fate but of a social system that puts them in bondage. Kovalan accuses Madhavi of being incapable of true love because she is only a prostitute. And Madhavi replies that women like her are created so that men realize the greatness of their wives.
The play is also known for its music and excellent choreography. Photo Credit: R. Ragu
Kavitha Sivakumar as Kannagi has played her role brilliantly, first as a meek, unquestioning wife and then as a vengeful woman. But this is a role that has action in it. Madhavi’s role is more difficult to play.
Preeti as Madhavi won the hearts of the audience through her mischievous smile, sarcastic sarcasm and quiet pain. The conversations between the two narrators – Madalan (Sabarish) and Devandhi (Janani) were lively.
The drama brings to life an epic love triangle | Photo Credit: R. Ragu
The music was by Janani, whose selection of ragas captured the emotions of the verses. Ragas Amritavarshini, Desh, Hamirakalyan and Vasanti were effectively used in the Indira Vizha scene. Preeti’s choreography expressed the essence of the verses. Shashidhar and Ashwin played traditional percussion instruments like the mizhavu and thudumbu. Janani sang the lyrics and used the yazh as a drone. The use of ancient instruments lent authenticity to the music. The instruments were taken from the Uru band.
with There was KongaiKrishnamurthy has proved his mettle as a director.
