It's Raining Kannada Plays at the Habba

It's time for Bangaloreans once again to take an annual trip back to the roots, thanks to the Bengaluru Habba, a cultural festival that makes sure you get your annual cultural dose of performing arts, indigenous to Karnataka. This year, in its theatre segment, the Habba brings in a collection of plays, which is a mix of classic and contemporary pieces. Staged by young city-based groups, these four plays aim to revive the old and bring in the new.

Revealing why he chose these particular plays to be a part of the Habba and urging youngsters to attend the festival, convener of the theatre festival Dr BV Rajaram says, "There are some old plays along with some new ones as we wanted to show how they are relevant in contemporary times. All the plays chosen ,bring out the cultural essence of Karnataka."

According to him, these plays reflect the spirit of Karnataka and are an attempt to ensure that Kannada theatre lives on. Agreeing with him, that the present generation should get a chance to see all that is classic, we tell you what to expect from the theatre segment of this years line up.

Dharmasthambha
Directed by Archana Shyam from the local group Antharanga and written by Dr KN Ganeshaiah, this play promises to take us back in time. Set in third century BC, Dharmasthambha chronicles the development of religion especially Buddhism during King Ashoka's reign. Trying to explore the conflict between the mundane and the extraordinary, the play attempts to bring on stage the untold stories of Ashoka's empire through humane tales.

On: January 18, 7 pm

Vasamsi Jeernani
Written by Marathi playwright Mahesh Elkunchwar and translated by Girish Karnad, the play shows how despite longing for love and warmth, human beings try to be detached from relationships. Sandeep Pai, the director takes us through the lives of an old and ailing couple, who have three children. As the play progresses, the shades of different characters are revealed. Vasamsi Jeernani reflects how everybody wants material comfort yet somewhere deep down craves for salvation.

On: January 19, 7 pm

Ramadhanya
Based on the verses by Kanakadasa, a saint from the Bhakti movement, this play is a comment on the inequalities and discrepancies prevalent in society through a story of Lord Rama and his favourite grain: rice. Director KSBL Chandru and produced by the city based group Roopanthara, the play shows that rice is the food of the privileged class while ragi represents the food of the deprived. This allegorical play shows how while speaking of his favourite grain, Rama brings out the disparity in society.

On: January 20, 7 pm

Mysore Mallige
Based on the verses of the famous Kannada poet KS Narasimhaswamy, this classic play will be staged for the 99th time by local theatre group Kala Gangotri, this Friday. Directed by Dr BV Rajaram, the play is a conversation between a bangle seller and the great grandson of the famous poet KS Narasimhaswamy.

The plot revolves around a bangle seller who has come to Karnataka when the state is celebrating its golden jubilee and meets his great grandson and takes him though the life of the great poet.

On: January 21, 7 pm
At: Airtel Bengaluru Habba, Seva Sadan, Malleshwaram
Call: 2361 0920