Activist Fare

Janaseva Parishad, an activist organization from Mandya, staged two plays this weekend to collect funds for its Vishwamanava Anathashrama. The plays were produced by Janadani, a Mandya-based cultural and theatre group. Tirukaraja written by Nisargapriya and narrated in the traditional Janapada style by the Jogappas exposes the politics of a state critiqued only under the rule of a beggar-king. The ply begins with a spectre of anarchy after the king died without leaving an heir. The queen, the minister and the senani, all in the race for the throne, hatch plots against each other. But the rajaguru consults the dharmashastras and the royal elephant has to garland the person who will be king. More than even the feminist arguments put forward by the queen, there is a class critique in the play that comes up effectively. The elephant garlands the beggar causing much embarrassment. What happens further is a comedy of sorts. The audience thoroughly enjoyed the comedy. The beggar is groomed by the rajaguru, while the queen, minister and the senani conspire and tempt him with wine and women. The beggar-king survives these temptations and proves himself a man with integrity. Directed by Malathesh Badigera, the play is at its best for the jogappa songs and narration. Better acting would have enhanced the appeal of the play. Best was Ramya Halagur’s music and singing.

By Sushumna K
Published in Deccan Herald 22.7.2002...way back when I was interning there. :)

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