JOIN US'Sadaaramaa Naatakam' to come alive at Rangayana
A broad reproduction of Sadaarame, which was among the most famous productions staged by Gubbi Sree Channabasaveshwara Company stretched over seven hours, ‘Sadaaramaa Naatakam’ will be a concise version restricted to three hours.
While the original had nearly 108 songs, Naatakam will have about 16 songs. The original was written by Bellave Narahari Shastry. The reproduction is directed by Y M Puttannaiah, who is known for his expertise in playing harmonium.
Sharing this with the media here on Thursday Rangayana Director Prof Lingadevaru Halemane said the repertory had taken it up as a challenge to revive professional theatre by taking up ‘Sadaarame’.
“This demanded a different kind of dedication altogether and was quite a departure from the theatre we have been doing for long,” he said.
Authenticity rating high on the scale while reviving professional theatre production, curtains for ‘Sadaramaa Natakam’ have been prepared by Aamin Saab of Ilkal. First show will be staged on Saturday, December 25 at Bhoomigeeta auditorium of Rangayana, followed by another show on Sunday. The play will continue to be performed on every Sunday as weekend play at Rangayana.
Elaborating on the challenges faced by the team while reviving the play, which was first known to be performed during 1955 or later (exact year of performance unknown), the actors who were not used to singing and acting or dancing simultaneously, had to practice to perfect both areas of performance.
The rehersals of the play went on for nearly two months, while the actors learnt Rangageetegalu and rendered them on stage with aplomb. About 18 senior artistes are part of the experiment. “There is no reason why professional theatre should die if the companies shut shop. Starting now, we have decided to stage a play revived from professional theatre, every year,” Halemane said.
‘Nostalgic’ publicity
Just as Rangayana artistes are busy rehearsing for the play to be performed on Saturday, using novel mode of publicity. Travelling back in time, Rangayana has appointed tongas and autos fitted with microphones and speakers, cycles — all displaying colourful posters of Saadaaramaa Naatakam. Just as it was, during those good old days. The vehicles will travel to different localities in Mysore and villages around the city, to remind people of the bygone era. They will even tempt people to step out of their houses and receive pamphlets, comprising details of the drama.
In keeping with the affordability of fans of professional theatre, tickets have been priced at ` 30.
With its subdued yet attractive advertising, Sadaaramaa has raised hopes among the fans of Rangayana. After stupendous staging of ‘Malegalalli Madumagalu’, Rangayana is ready with another treat for Mysoreans!