Feb 28 2025 to Feb 28 2025 7 p.m.

Price: 250 onwards Book/Buy

Where

Chowdiah Memorial Hall

16th Cross Rd, Vyalikaval, Kodandarampura, Malleshwaram 560003

Event Description

A play in English by renowned dance scholar, musicologist, and writer Sujatha Vijayaraghavan, Kamalakshi tells the story of a Devadasi dancer in the late 19th century.

Designed and directed by noted theatre veteran P.C. Ramakrishna (who also directed Chudamani, Trinity, and Lakshmikanthan), the play features live music and dance woven into its fabric along with drama—a “first” in English theatre.

The much sought-after young Vidwan, Sikkil Gurucharan, plays Sivaguru, the singer extraordinaire and the very soul of the temple, inheriting the musical parampara of Sri Muthuswami Dikshitar. Fascinated by his music, Kamalakshi, the Devadasi dancer, is portrayed by well-known dancer and singer Sumitra Nitin. She is torn between her spiritual attachment to Lord Thyagaraja and her Devadasi upbringing, urged by her mother, Parvatham (senior dancer Anuradha Ramesh).

Parur M.S. Ananthashree plays Neela, her friend, who sings for her, while dance guru Balagurunathan essays the role of Kamalakshi’s teacher, Sabapathy.

The conflict and drama unfold as the unscrupulous Mirasdar Sugavanam (S. Ram) enters the picture to demand his pound of flesh.

Does Kamalakshi overcome the dilemma that plagues her? What happens to Sivaguru? The play addresses these questions.