Jun 09 2023 to Jun 11 2023 7 p.m.

EVENT HAS ENDED

Price: Rs 500 onwards Book/Buy

Where

Prestige Srihari Khoday Center for Performing Arts

Silver Oak Plantation, 25, Mudalappa Street, Anjanadri Layout, Konanakunte, Bengaluru 560062

Event Description

Nagamandala by Girish Karnad (In Kannada, with English subtitles)

Direction- Arjun Kabbina

Venue- Prestige Srihari Khoday Centre For Performing Arts

Date & Time- 9,10,11 of June 2023 (4 Shows- 9,10- 7PM, 11- 11AM, 7PM)

Bengaluru Theatre Foundation presents “Nagamandala”, a timeless classic filled with rich metaphors and has captured everybody’s imagination for decades. However, a Kannada production of Nagamandala has not been staged for almost two decades. Bangalore Theatre Foundation is changing that by staging Nagamandala to celebrate Girish Karnad’s 85th birth anniversary. Arjun Kabbina, a graduate of Rangayana returns to the stage after a successful stint last year with the popular Vidyarthi Bhavan. This bold production of Nagamandala, directed by Arjun Kabbina, takes a leaf out of Karnad’s book and uses Yellamma’s songs as a narrative anchor for the story. Shilpa Mudbi Kothakota helms the music and brings some unique folk songs to the production. Joining her is Ramakka Jogati, a veteran folk singer and one of the only few female Chowdike players in the country.

Karibasava, a very popular folk singer, Samson Philip, a jazz bass guitarist and Raaghu, a seasoned percussionist complete the musical ensemble.

Yellamma’s story resonates and parallels with Rani- doubted by their husbands for a mistake they did not commit. Yellamma’s story brings rich color to an already colorful world of Karnad’s metaphors. Two internationally acclaimed dancers have contributed to the movement and choreography of the play. Poornendra Meshram, an internationally acclaimed movement artist and Unnath Jain, a celebrated Bharatanatyam dancer have imbued the play with their signature styles.

Another highlight of the production is the puppetry by master puppeteer Kapil Dev. Trained under the legendary Mr. Dadi D Puddumjee, Kapil brings life to the animals of Nagamandala. Joining the crew in light design, is Pradeep Belavadi known for his work in recent productions of Crossing to Talikota and Vidhyarti Bhavan.

Ace designer Sridhar Murthy is designing the sets and properties and Bharath Savithri Divakar, a well-known writer and spoken word poet is the dramaturg of the play. On the 11th of June, Arshia Sattar sits down with Basav Biradar for a conversation about Karnad’s literature and Legacy. This production is presented by Bimal Desai, a veteran theater personality.