JP NAGAR: Vedike Foundation presents repeat shows of two of its latest productions — Jai Ho Ratna and Kakana Kote — at 7.30 pm on Wednesday and Thursday at Ranga Shankara.
An adaptation of Ratnan Padagalu by G P Rajaratnam, Jai Ho Ratna is written and directed by C R Simha. Ratna, a lowly labourer, finds true love in Nanji. He is an eternal optimist and finds magical romance even in their hand-to-mouth life. Every situation is a song for him. The three main elements in his life — liquor, his wife and his Kannada songs — will be the highlights of the play. The many escapades of Ratna and his friends add to the humour. Ultimately, Nanji-Ratna’s love becomes a metaphor for a common man’s dream. The play will be screened on Wednesday.
Kaakana Kote, written by Masti Venkatesha Iyengar, is regarded as one of the greatest Kannada plays. It revolves around the revolt of a small tribal hamlet in the deep forests. Set in the times of Kanteerava Narasaraja I of the Wadiyar dynasty, the play broaches a topic relevant to this day. Kaka, the tribal leader, rebels against the unjust taxation by Heggade and his force. He comes up with various means to save his tribe from the brute force of the city’s power brokers. This leads to several twists and turns in the narrative. The play unravels with rich usage of poetry, music and dance.
The play premiered in 1972 and was Nataranga’s first production. It achieved tremendous success, and was performed across the state and toured major cities of India. Produced as a film in 1975-76, it gained critical acclaim and won state and national awards.