It was, indeed, a visual treat for all those who love poetry in the city, as they checked out Lenin Rajendran’s rendering of ‘Karuna’, the masterpiece of Kumaranasan intertwining the original story and his own personal interpretation of the story.
Cultural Affairs Minister K C Joseph inaugurated the programme organised by the Kerala University Union at Senate Hall here.
From complex verses to an interesting play of mix and match, there was something for everybody. The occasion saw the lovers of poetry in the city experiencing the real depth of the poem.
The evening witnessed a full house and an appreciative audience. About 40 members represented the scenes of ‘Karuna’ bringing all the emotions as in the poem. “I really feel thrilled in arranging a dramatic representation of ‘Karuna’ here,’’ said Lenin Rajendran.
Athira, who played the prominent role of Vasavadatta, took the audience back in time of the opulent life of worldly pleasures. Elegant in mixed hues, Athira and Shiva as Upaguptha displayed a new facet of them as professionals without featuring their usual acting pieces. Romance, misery and philosophy, so varied were the moods of the verses selected. The varied tone also reflected the depth of the poem much more than that of mere reading.
An emotional conflict between materialism and spirituality set Karuna’s poetry apart. Verses quoted in addition to the existing explanations earned a better appreciation.
The story started with Vasavadatta, a courtesan of Madhura, getting attracted to the handsome Buddhist monk, Upagupta. She sends her message of love to him. But he disappoints her. Eventually, she becomes the mistress of a rich merchant and finds it risky to serve two masters at the same time. She brings about the death of her first lover. Even disfigured and in her death throes, she only wishes to see the monk. The monk comes there and she knows a bliss that she had never experienced. She leaves the world drinking the water given to her by the monk.
The end took everyone to a new level. Whenever the scene seemed literal, the artists made up for it with their expressions and dance. The bitterness and pain of Vasavadatta was revealed successfully by her on the stage. Athira finished with a great punch. The dance-based item interwoven with a verse from Karuna gave a glimpse of the emotions that we are all familiar with. She was able to hold the attention of the audience for over two hours.
