A scene from the play | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Samasti, an amateur theatre group from Bengaluru, will stage the play. cinema. Originally written in Kannada, HS Venkatesh Murthy Ramayana film The epic is viewed from a folk perspective. Manjunath L. Badiger, a graduate from Ninasam, says, “cinema This is not the story of Valmiki Ramayana.”
Manjunath says the play reflects the poems of Helavankatte Giriamma. “The writer has adopted a style in which the story is narrated using Odisha’s traditional painting Pattachitra. The paintings and folk songs and dances are an integral part of the play.”
cinema Manjunath, who was first introduced to theatre through a street play workshop while pursuing his graduation in Bengaluru two decades ago, says the play is heavily influenced by the devotees of Goddess Yellamma, called Bhootai.
“This troupe was called Madhyam, which was headed by Jayathirtha, who is a famous Kannada film director. My theatre journey started from there.” Director Kukke lives in Mangaluru near Subramanya but travels for theatre. “Samasthi and I will complete 25 years in 2025.”
Manjunath, Jayatheertha and chartered accountant Ravindra Pujari founded Samasth in 2000. “Pujari is very passionate about theatre and Jayatheertha is also actively involved with our theatre group. He is always there to guide and mentor us,” says Manjunath.
Though the financial benefits of theatre are very low, Manjunath prefers to live within his means and work without any expectations. “I want to devote all my time to theatre and inspire others who are passionate about theatre to do the same,” says Manjunath, who has worked as a guest lecturer at universities and other amateur theatre groups in Karnataka.
Manjunath says the folk approach to the epic sees Rama and Sita not as deities but as people, who are part of their daily lives. “This approach allows a different dimension to the Ramayana. For example, doubting is not just limited to humans, but extends to Rama and Sita as well!”
Manjunath L Badiger | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The play depicts a hypothetical situation after Ram’s coronation in Ayodhya, where Chandranakhi plots to make Ravana appear again in Sita’s chamber. This raises many questions. “The story aims to dispel darkness and show light. It also talks about the atrocities that women face every day and prompts the audience to assess and review how women view men and how men should view women.”
Manjunath has been part of Ninasam’s Tirugata (travelling theatre) and is a trained Yakshagana dancer from the Udupi Yakshagana Kendra. He has obtained the Janapada Diploma from the Ramanagara Janapada Loka. “I understand that we are sensitive when it comes to our epics and deities, but this is a folk perspective that thrives in our villages. I want people to think with an open mind and understand what is being staged.”
author of Movies, ManjunathaThe Anatha Sevashrama of Malladihalli is closely associated with the school, says. “The school approached us to direct this play, which was originally planned for the students and teaching faculty of their school and we also staged it through Samastha.”
The play will be staged at Rangashankara on July 6 at 3.30 pm and 7.30 pm. Tickets are available at the venue and BookMyShow.
