The cult Kannada play Miss Sadrame reflects the predicament of women through centuries
The cult Kannada play Miss Sadrame reflects the predicament of women through centuriesMelodramatic, poetic and colourful, this play does not offer any sophisticated poignancy that modern theatre promises. But if you want to peer into the root of Indian theatre then watching the Kannada play Miss Sadarame presented by Samashti, a city-based group should be a treat.
Based on a script, originally written by the 19th century Kannada playwright, Bellave Narahari Shastry, this play depicts the life of a middle-class girl and her predicament.
Explaining why he chose to stage this regional classic, Manjunath L Badiger, the director of Miss Sadarame says, "The play touches upon contemporary political issues. We have not tried to dish out any particular message at the end of it. We have left it to the audience to draw from it."
The script of the play, which has been improvised by the acclaimed Kannada dramatist K V Subbanna, is named after the protagonist Sadarame.
The life of an innocent village girl Sadarame life changes, when a prince falls in love with her. Sadarame's father and grandfather are cunning misers and demand to be crowned in exchange for Sadarame's hand. On the very next day of the wedding, the prince has to leave the kingdom with his new bride.
Gullible Sadarame is suddenly exposed to a harsh world and faces challenges at every step. Her marital life suffers and life becomes complex. But Sadarame soon learns how to face these obstacles and retains her true identity.
Confessing that staging the play was no cakewalk, Badiger says, "It was a hit company drama of the past century. I also wanted it to have a director's new interpretation. We had to make sure that characters look historical but should also represent the contemporary people."
Badiger successfully chronicles the journey of Sadarame in a humorous undertone to engage the present audience, who may otherwise not relate to it. Though the set, lightings and costume adhere to the company drama culture, yet Sadarame's experiences brings out the issues that many modern women still face.
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Catch Miss Sadarame this Thursday who transcends the barriers of time and place and tries to seek her true self.
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At Ranga Shankara
On August 12, 7.30 pm
Call 2658 2578
For Rs 150
