Mar 28 2025 to Mar 28 2025 7 p.m.

Where

Bangalore International Centre

7 4th Main Rd, Stage 2, Domlur 560071

Event Description

90 minutes | Kannada

Kaamaroopigal, a musical play, is crafted from a rich tapestry of Kannada literature, drawing from Ramayana Darshanam, Shoorpanakhaayana, and Parthisubba’s Yakshagaana. Seamlessly blending prose, poetry, and narrative, the play transforms into a mesmerizing musical experience.

The Panchavati episode of the Ramayana unfolds with intrigue as Shoorpanakhi disguises herself as a beautiful woman, Maareecha takes the form of a golden deer, and Raavana appears as a wandering ascetic. Yet, the true disguises in this tale are not merely external but deeply internal. Even Rama, Seetha, and Lakshmana are not exempt from this transformation.

Seetha’s longing, her doubts about Lakshmana’s character, Rama’s desire to fulfill his wife’s wishes despite his ascetic vows, Lakshmana’s anger and frustration toward Seetha, his moment of defiance in leaving the hermitage despite his brother’s clear instructions, and Jataayu’s tragic demise at the hands of Raavana—all these pivotal moments are drawn from various interpretations of the Ramayana. With every reading and deeper understanding, the layers of deception and self-revelation become even more striking.

Even in death, Maareecha embodies the essence of an actor’s duty—Nata Dharma. Perfectly imitating Rama’s voice, he alters the course of the Ramayana, instilling doubt and reshaping its destiny. In doing so, he becomes an exemplary performer, demonstrating how illusion and reality intertwine.

Here, Shoorpanakhi, Maareecha, and Raavana conceal themselves behind external disguises, but Rama, Seetha, and Lakshmana—through their desires, fears, and conflicts—are veiled from within.

In truth, everyone is in disguise.

There is a desirous persona—Kaamaroopigal—in each of us.

ಕನ್ನಡದ ಹಲವು ನಾಟಕ ಕೃತಿಗಳಿಂದ ಆಯ್ದು ಈ ನಾಟಕ ಕಟ್ಟಲಾಗಿದೆ. ಪಾರ್ತೀಸುಬ್ಬನ ಯಕ್ಷಗಾನ, ಶ್ರೀ ರಾಮಾಯಣದರ್ಶನಂ, ಶೂರ್ಪನಖಾಯಣ ಲೇಖನ ಮುಂತಾದ ಕೆಲ ಕೃತಿಗಳ ಮಾತು-ಪದ್ಯ-ವಿಷತಗಳಿಂದ ಮಿಳಿತಗೊಂಡು ಇದು ತಾನಾಗಿದೆ. ಇದೊಂದು ಸಂಗೀತ ಪ್ರಧಾನ ನಾಟಕವಾಗಿ ಕಟ್ಟಲಾಗಿದೆ.
ರಾಮಾಯಣದಲ್ಲೇ ಅತಿ ನಾಟಕೀಯ ಭಾಗ ಈ ಪಂಚವಟಿಯ ಕಥಾಭಾಗ. ಶೂರ್ಪನಖಿ ಸುಂದರಿಯಾಗಿ, ಮಾರೀಚ ಬಂಗಾರದ ಜಿಂಕೆಯಾಗಿ, ರಾವಣ ಸನ್ಯಾಸಿಯಾಗಿ, ವೇಶಾಂತರಗೊಂಡು ಬರುವ ರೋಚಕ ಪ್ರಸಂಗವಿದು. ಬರೇ ಹೊರಗಲ್ಲ, ಒಳಗೂ ವೇಷಾಂತರಗೊಂಡಿದೆ. ಸೀತಾ-ರಾಮ-ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮಣರೂ ಇದಕ್ಕೆ
ಹೊರತಲ್ಲ. ಸೀತೆ ಆಮಿಷಕ್ಕೊಳಗಾಗುವುದು, ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮಣನನ್ನು ಸಂಶಯಿಸುವುದು, ವ್ರತನಿಷ್ಠೆಯ ರಾಮ ಸತಿಯ ಬಯಕೆಗೆ ಒಪ್ಪುವುದು, ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮಣ ಅಣ್ಣನ ಮಾತನ್ನು ಮೀರಿ ಅತ್ತಿಗೆಯಿಂದ ನೊಂದು-ಸಿಡಿಮಿಡಿಗೊಂಡು ನಡೆಯುವುದು, ಕೊನೆಗೆ ಜಟಾಯು ಪಕ್ಷಿಯೂ ಬಂದು ರಾವಣ ಕೈಲಿ ಸಾಯುವುದು, ತೀರಾ ನಾಟಕೀಯ ಪ್ರಪಂಚದ ಈ ಕಥಾನಕ ಹಲವಾರು ಆಯಾಮಗಳ ಕಟ್ಟಿಕೊಡುವಂಥಹದ್ದು. ಸೂಕ್ಷ್ಮವಾಗಿ ನೋಡಿದಷ್ಟು ಆಳದ ಹೊಳಹುಗಳ ಬೆರಗಿನ ಭಾಗವಿದು. ಸಾಯುವಾಗಲೀ ನಟಧರ್ಮಕ್ಕನುಗುಣವಾಗಿ ರಾಮನ ದನಿಯನ್ನು ಅಷ್ಟು ನಿಖರತೆಯಲಿ ಅನುಕರಿಸಿ, ಸೀತಾ-ರಾಮ-ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮಣರೆಂಬ ಪ್ರೇಕ್ಷಕರ ಗೊಂದಲಗೊಳಿಸಿ ರಾಮಾಯಣದ

ದಿಕ್ಕನ್ನೇ ಬದಲಿಸುವ ಮಾರೀಚ ಯಾವತ್ತಿಗೂ ಒಬ್ಬ ಮಹಾನಟ. ಶೂರ್ಪನಖಿ-ರಾವಣ-ಮಾರೀಚರು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಹೊರಗೆ ವೇಶ ಕಟ್ಟಿದರೆ, ರಾಮ-ಸೀತೆ-ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮಣರು ತಾವು ಬಚ್ಚಿಟ್ಟ ಇಳಗುಟ್ಟಿನ ವೇಷ ಕಟ್ಟುತ್ತಾರೆ.

ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಎಲ್ಲರಿಗೂ ವೇಷ: ನಮ್ಮೊಳಗೂ

ಎಲ್ಲರೊಳಗೂ ಕಾಮರೂಪಿಗಳೆ: ನಮ್ಮೊಳಗೂ

Supported by:

Artistes

Vaishnavi Chakrapani
Actress
Vaishnavi Chakrapani is a psychologist, theatre artist and is pursuing training in classical music. She performs in multiple plays from different genres like Kamaroopigal, Tempest, Dropathi helthavle, Parijatha, Kododilla bidoilla and tadroopi. She has won best actress award for her role as Seeta in Kamaroopigal and for her role as Draupadi in Dropathi Helthavle at Rangabhoomi Udupi state level competitions.

Sri Lakshmi
Actress
A dedicated artist, and pursuer of all things creative, Srilakshmi is an amateur theatre artist, trained in classical music. She has been involved as a performer in several Kannada plays like Kamaroopigal, Tempest, Prameelarjuneeyan, Kododilla – Bidodilla among others. When she isn’t working towards presenting her best self forward as a performer, she uses her academic training as a Master of Arts in English Literature and Communication Studies towards producing the most listened FM show in Radio Mirchi Bengaluru. As a true enjoyer of arts, she is always open to learning new things and producing new ideas that make the world more colourful, one thing at a time.

Richa Shastry
Actress
Richa Shastry, a passionate and dedicated actor with a love for storytelling. With 12 years of experience in theater, she has had the privilege of playing a wide range of roles that showcase her versatility and range in couple of plays and she was also fortunate enough to grab couple of opportunities to act in movies and soap operas. As a highly motivated and enthusiastic performer, she thrives in roles that challenge her to grow and explore new characters. Richa is a talented and versatile Voice actor as well who has been bringing characters to life with her voice for over 5 years. With a warm and engaging tone, Richa has become a sought-after voice actor in the industry, lending her voice to numerous films, soap operas and commercials.

Arun Kumar R
Actor
Arun Kumar is a passionate and dedicated actor with nine years of experience in theatre. He has portrayed a wide range of roles, demonstrating his versatility and depth as a performer. His journey in acting extends beyond the stage, as he has also been part of films and television serials, embracing opportunities to showcase his talent on screen.

A highly motivated and enthusiastic artist, Arun thrives on roles that challenge him to grow and explore new dimensions of character. His commitment to the craft and ability to adapt to different genres make him a dynamic performer.

Beyond acting, Arun is an accomplished voice artist with over five years of experience. His warm and engaging voice has made him a sought-after talent in the industry, lending his voice to films, soap operas, and commercials. Whether on stage, screen, or behind the microphone, Arun continues to bring stories and characters to life with passion and authenticity.

Bharath Raavudi
Actor
Bharath Raavudi is a well-known amateur theatre artist who started his acting career from the College theatre. Has been playing multiple Kannada and English plays across Karnataka. To name some Kaamararoopigal, Tadroopi, Kododilla Bidodilla, Tuglahq are some of the outstanding plays. Apart from acting I have an expertise in technical execution of sound, music, projections aet and properties for theatre acts. Have single handedly managed many theatre productions from scratch. Along with theatre have also been a serial actor on the recent times.

Sudarshan Venkatesh
Actor
Sudarshan V is a well-known amateur theatre artist who started his acting career from the College theatre. He has acted in many plays including Tadroopi, Tempest, Ondu matteredu, Kaamaroopigal, Naatyadevacharite and Aparaadhi Naanalaa.

Lakshmi Narasimha Murthy
Actress
Lakshmi Narasimha Murthy, Theatre Artist & Back stage support. Lakshmi discovered her passion to Cultural theatre journey in 2008, at National College, Basavanagudi, team ‘Ranga Prayoga Shaale’. Her self-involvement in acting has also helped push boundaries of adaptability, creativity and incorporating theatrical tradition and techniques. She has been part of the Theatre groups ‘Sanchaya’ and ‘Antharanga Bahiranga’ and she has performed in the following plays – Vichaarane, Kaamaroopigal, Hing Maadidhre Henge. Alongside her passion, she currently works at ANZ Pvt. Ltd. as Data Engineer.

Manju Siddaiah
Actor
Manju Siddaiah is an amateur theatre artist with a deep passion for performance. He has been part of several plays, continuously honing his craft and bringing diverse characters to life on stage. His acting credits include Kamaroopigal, The Tempest, Thadroopi, Ondu Matheradu, Hing Madidrehenge, Chavundaraya, Tughlaq, Jothegiruvanu Chandira, and Karvalo. With each role, he strives to grow as a performer, adding depth and authenticity to his characters while contributing to the vibrancy of the theatre scene.Arun Kumar is is a theatre artist from Mandya. He has been trained in Rangayana, Mysore. He is known for his performances in the plays Macbeth and Kaamaroopigal.

Kanishka Goankar
Actor
Kanishka Goankar is an amateur theatre artist and has performed in many plays including Gunamukha, Pommadira Ponappa, Kaamaroopigal.

Bosch Raghavendra
Actor
Raghavendra having been a part of Bosch Ltd company is familiarly called as Bosch Raghavendra having waste experience in amateur theater and have been trained under various directors in Kannada theater like Sreenivas Mestru, Shashidhar Bharighat, Pramod Shiggon, Ganesh Mandarti,M C Anand, B. Jayashree, Lakshmi Chandrashekar, Joseph Neenasam, Natraj Honalli, Utthana Bharighat, S. Surendranath, Krishna Hebbale, N C Mahesh, Mico Shivanna, Mico Shivashankar, Mico Chandru, S R Chandrashekar, Kari Basaiah  Ganesh Shenoy and more.

Performed in teams like Nataranga, Spandana, Samudaya, Sanchaya, Kreative Theater, Sinchana, Nagabhoomike, Inchara, and more. Also active in street plays, he has almost perfomed in 600 shows from past 22 years. Prominent plays include Kanooru Heggadathi, Jalagara, Jugari cross, Sadarame, Bahumukhi, Tadroopi, Tempest, Sahyadri kaanda, Mouni, Santheyolagondu Maneya Maadi, Runavemba Sootakavu, Doni, Goona, Swatantryada ota, Chikkadeva boopa, Kamaroopigal, Bara, Saayo Aata, Abale, Iruvudellava Bittu, Mandigagadiru Bali, Khyatigagi Khyaathe,Kododilla Bidodilla, Dr. Thippeshi, Black out. Manga Manikya and more. Acted in many short films and feature films. Now practicing theater make-up too.

Sandeep Jain
Actor
Sandeep is on a journey of self-exploration through theater—both as an actor and an educator. With experience on stage and screen, he has performed in over 350 shows across 50 productions, collaborating with eminent directors and prestigious theater institutions.

His work spans organizations such as Ranga Shankara, Sanchaya, Goethe Institute, Sanchari Theatre, Samudaya, Kreative Theatre, VASP, Theatre Act (Mumbai), Gillo Repertory Theatre (Mumbai), and Rednose Entertainment (Mumbai).

Most recently, his work was featured in the Netflix original documentary Crime Stories: India Detectives.

Sharath Gowda
Actor
Sharath Gowda is an VFX artist, amateur theatre artist and actor who is known for his work in Gantumoote movie and the play Aane kaanadagide, ParahitaPashana and Kaamaroopigal.

Uma Shankar
Actor
Uma Shankar, who hails from Bangalore, is a fresh face to team Sanchaya where Kaamaroopigal is his debut for a professional Theater on stage. He has also participated and directed plays, movie spoofs, short films for various Colleges and Corporates in Bangalore and acted as an antagonist in a feature film Unfateful.

Yemen Syed
Music
Yemen Syed is an amateur theatre artist and a journalist. Practicing theatre since her college days, she is known for her performances in Kattale Belaku, Suddi Idu, Suddi, Sahebaru Baruttare, Sevanthi Prasanga, Yugpurush, Kaamaroopigal and a few more.

Bharath GV
Percussionist
Bharath GV is a passionate theatre practitioner whose journey began during his college years. A trained Carnatic classical percussionist, he has honed his craft through the Ninasam Workshop and worked under esteemed directors such as Manju Kodagu, Suresh Anagalli, Ganesh Mandarthi, Rajguru Hoskote, Hulugappa Kattimani, Nanjundegowda, Apoorva Anagalli, and Swetharani HK.

With over nine years of experience, Bharath has contributed to more than 350 performances as a musician, actor, lighting designer, set manager, and makeup artist. His dedication to theatre has earned him and his team the Best Music award at the Udupi Rangabhoomi State-Level Theatre Competition for four consecutive years.

He has been part of several notable productions, including Kamaroopigal, Draupadi Helthavle, Dashanana Swapnasiddhi, Jothegiruvanu Chandira, Vali Vadhe, Mamatheya Suli Manthare, Kundapura Kannada Makkala Ramayana, 1984, Exile, Biddorina Bigben, Somalia Kadalgallaru, Gulabi Gyangu, Chandragiri Theeradalli, Mayabete, Abhisheka, Alaidevru, Sharifa, Bootugalina Saddu, and Suyodhana.

Ananya Suresh
Singer
Ananya Suresh is a Carnatic classical trained singer and an amateur theatre artist. She has been part of plays like Pommodhira Ponnappa, Baka, Sahebru Baruttare, Chakra-view. She is also a playback singer and has acted in short movies and feature movies.

Meghana N Karnam
Singer
Meghana N Karnam is currently working in IT Industry and is trained in both Carnatic and Hindustani Classical music from past few years. She has been recognized as the part of music team in the play Kamaroopigal which is a recipient of Best Music award at Rangabhhoomi State level theatre competition in 2021.

Keerthi Bhanu
Singer
Keerthi Bhanu is the CEO of a software company and a passionate actor with notable contributions to theatre, film, and television. He has performed in several acclaimed Kannada plays, including Tadrupi, Churikatte Arthat Kalyanapura, Sangya-Balya, Shraddha Mattu Stainless Steel Patregalu, Sahyadri Kanda, Tughalak, and Bahumukhi.

As a singer, he has lent his voice to productions such as The Tempest, Kododilla Bidodilla, and Kamaroopigal. His talent extends beyond the stage, with recognized performances in films like U-Turn, Pampa, and The Terrorist, as well as a strong presence in the television industry.

Prithvi Venugopal
Light Designer
Prithvi Venugopal is a freelance theatre lighting designer with a deep passion for the stage. His journey began with acting in summer theatre workshops for children, eventually leading him to pursue formal training in cinematography. This technical expertise, combined with his love for theatre, shaped his distinctive approach to lighting design.

Since 2011, Prithvi has been an active part of Bengaluru’s theatre circuit, contributing his skills to over 25 productions and crafting visually immersive experiences for audiences.

Beyond lighting design, he has also explored direction, successfully staging Natyadevacharite—an adaptation of Molière’s Tartuffe—and Enemies by Anton Chekhov. His growing body of work reflects a unique ability to merge technical precision with artistic vision, making him a significant contributor to the theatre scene.

Harish Somayaji
Manager
Harish Somayaji is an amateur kannada theatre artist. He has been part of many plays from past 2 decades. Major plays among them are ‘Churikatte arthat Kalyanapura’, ‘Bahumukhi’, ‘Tadroopi’, ‘Tempest’, ‘Sahyadri Kanda’, ‘ParahitaPashana’.

Ganesh Mandarthi
Director
Ganesh Mandarthi, from Udupi, began his artistic journey as a singer in the Mandarthi and Sigandur Yakshagana Melas before receiving formal training at Neenasam, Heggodu. Over the years, he has become a highly sought-after theatre trainer, working across nearly every taluk and district of Karnataka.

He has also taught at Rangayana, Mysore, and has directed several notable plays, including Nere, Oliver, Panchavati, Chomana Dudi, Sathroo Andre Saytara, Roopa Roopagalanu Daati, and Vali Vadhe.