Dakshina Natakotsav concludes on a high note

Special Correspondent Hindu daily 11 July 2009

Six best Indian dramas staged during the six-day festival

Photo: C.V.Subrahmanyam

Grand finale: A scene from ‘Karnabharam’, Malayalam drama presented by Lokadharmi team from Kochi at Kalabharati in Visakhapatnam on Friday. —

VISAKHAPATNAM: The six-day Dakshina Natakotsav, organized by the National School of Drama, was concluded with the brilliant execution of Malaylam drama ‘Karnabharam’ at the Kalabharathi auditorium on Friday. It was a fitting finale to the rich and varied drama fare that marked the staging of Six Best Indian Play-Productions. ‘Karnabharanam’ staged more than 300 in different parts of the country and directed by Chandradasan, depicts the mental torture and turbulence that Karna undergoes because of his birth. Was he son of Surya or Sutha? Was he the son of Kunthi or Radha?

This theme from the epic Mahabharatha reflects the contemporary problem of caste and social status, some times leading to heaping of insults and humiliations on persons because of birth. The story was well known and as the message was effectively conveyed through the ‘language of performance’ the languages ceased to be a barrier. The episodes of Karna’s encounters with Parusurama, and Indra, who comes in the disguise of a Brahmin to take away his divine Kavacha and Kundalams, were brilliantly executed.

There was thunderous applause from the audience. On the fifth day, the drama depicting story of saint Kabir Das was staged. The clash between Muslims and Hindus over the roots of the saint as also the troubles and tribulations that the saint face in his mundane life while he longs for the spiritual bliss were well portrayed.

Presiding over the concluding function, Chatla Sriramulu, theatre director, congratulated the audience for their discipline during staging of plays. M. Nagabhusana Sarma and Raoji, well known theatre personalities spoke. Badamgeer Sai proposed a vote of thanks.

Note ; This is the report in Hindu daily about the play karnnabharam performed in Visakhapatanam, The play got rave reviews from the English, and Telugu media. Hope i can post more of it