Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Apr 25: Kannada and culture department, Dakshina Kannada district, presented ‘Ranga Bhaskara – 2014’ a three-day drama festival, which was held between April 22 and April 24 at Town Hall here. Entry to the plays presented in the festival was free.

On the first day, ‘Janamanadata Heggodu’ presented the play, ‘Baba Saheb Ambedkar’ written by A S Mukund Rao and directed by M Ganesh Heggodu. On the next day, the same troupe came up with the play, ‘Baduku Bayalu’, written by V Revati, and directed by M Ganesh Heggodu.

‘Barbareeka’, a play authored by Shashiraj Kavoor and directed by Viddu Uchchila, was staged on the final day.

Special invitees like Sharavu Raghavendra Shastri and M Seetharam Kulal had graced the inaugural on the first day.

The people of the city and surrounding places got an opportunity to watch stories unfolding in front of their eyes, comparatively a rare one for them, through this festival. All the three plays had their own plus points, and the highpoint of the festival was the bond the actors were able to strike instantly with the audiences. The plays covered values that are relevant even today, and mirrored everyday lives.

In spite of being a mythological drama, ‘Barbareeka’ could relate well with the people because of its striking relevance to the present-day society. The play was beautifully presented, with stunning lights creating a magic of sorts on the stage. Barbareeka is Bheema's grandson and Ghatodkaja's son. He's a spirit who Krishna disguises and asks his head in alms. Barbareeka pleads with Krishna to watch the Mahabharath, thus his head is placed on a hill and hence he watches the Mahabharath.