Dec 12 2024 to Dec 12 2024 7 p.m.

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Price: 0 onwards Book/Buy

Where

Prabhath Kaladwaraka

6th Cross Rd, 6th Block, Koramangala 560095

Event Description

About the Sub-Festival   

Gala-Gala-Gaddala (#3G) is a cultural carnival celebrating Karnataka's rich heritage through music, dance, theatre, and more! Curated by Lekha Naidu for BLR Hubba, this festival embodies joy, tradition, and Karnataka's Spirit.     About the Play         

The play is set during the reign of the illustrious Ganga dynasty in Karnataka and chronicles the life and achievements of Chavundaraya, the formidable commander-in-chief of the Ganga Empire. The narrative spans from a crucial moment in Ganga history - when the renowned king Marasimha embraces death through Sallekhana (the Jain ritual of voluntary fasting unto death) and his son Rachamalla ascends to the throne - to the historic creation of the colossal Bahubali statue at Shravanabelagola.  

The story portrays Chavundaraya as a complex character - a powerful military commander who deeply believes in Jain principles. While fulfilling his duties as the empire's protector, he remains a devout follower of non-violence, ultimately becoming the driving force behind the creation of the Bahubali statue, a monumental symbol of peace and non-violence. The play also depicts his intellectual pursuits, showing his engagement in poetic discussions with his contemporary, the renowned poet Ranna, while steadfastly defending the Ganga Empire's throne.  

What makes this production particularly compelling is its nuanced exploration of Chavundaraya's internal conflict - a man torn between his commitment to Jain principles of non-violence and the inevitable violence required in his role as a military commander. The play masterfully reveals this philosophical and moral dilemma, offering a unique perspective on the challenges of balancing religious beliefs with worldly duties.   

About the Group   

Samajamukhi Rangabalaga (Theatre Group) has been consistently conducting theatrical activities for the past five years. Following their unique theatrical production 'Rasabhignana' - a training programme in the art of expressing the nine emotions (Navarasa) - they performed adaptations of Nikolai Gogol's "The Overcoat" and K.V. Tirumalesh's poem "Pentayyna Bili Angi" (Pentayya's White Shirt). Subsequently, they staged "Kasandra," written and masterfully directed by acclaimed playwright H.S. Shivaprakash.   

Since last year, the group has been performing "Chavundaraya," written by Jayaram Rayapura. This production represented Karnataka at the Bharatiya Rangamahotsava 2023, organised by the National School of Drama, and has been staged at various theatrical venues across the state, including Bangalore.