BENGALURU: One of the oldest and most active Kannada theatre groups Sanchaya, will organise a three-day theatre fest Sanchaya 29, to mark 29 years of their establishment.The fest will include plays staged by members of Sanchaya. Noted theatre personalities such as Srinivas G Kappana, Tho Nanjundswamy and Anand Sabapathy will also be present for the valedictory function on May 19.
All their plays are performed in Kannada as the group members believe they can relate to this language more than any other.
“Through our performances, we try to do our little bit in promoting Karnataka’s culture,” says Keerthi Bhanu, one of the senior members of the group. They will be staging three plays as part of this upcoming fest - Parahitha Paashana, Tempest and Bara.
‘Parahitha Paashana’ is a farcical black comedy that revolves around the lives of the Venkararamanaiahs, a family of homicidal maniacs. This adaptation of the English classic Arsenic and Old Lace is directed by Shankar Billemane.
Based on Dr U R Ananthamurthy’s short story and directed by Shashidhar Bharighat, Bara talks about the repercussions of a famine and the apathy shown by an inept and corrupt system. “The play resonates not just on the vagaries of nature, but also on the moral bankruptcy of a political system,” says Keerthi Bhanu.
Sanchaya also brings back one of its most popular adaptations, Shakespeare’s Tempest, directed by Joseph John. This popular classic encompasses the elements of nature and mirrors them in human emotions. Accompanied by live music, this play will be staged by a group of 30 members.
Do not miss the plays that will be staged at Ranga Shankara from May 17 to 19 from 7.30 pm. Tickets are available on bookmyshow.
Team Sanchaya
Started in 1988 by a high school teacher, G S Rama Rao for his students, the group has since opened its doors to all theatre lovers in the city and grown into a full-fledged theatre troupe. Sanchaya has to its credit 39 plays, including original productions and adaptations. Celebrated directors of Kannada theatre such as R Nagesh, Suresh Anagalli and Krishnamurthy Kavathar have worked with this troupe.
May 17 - Parahitha Paashana
May 18 - Bara
May 19 - Tempest