Rangasai Theatre Fest 2016 saw a string of theatrical performances come alive at Kalabharati Visakhapatnam. As is the wont with Badamgir Sai, the founder of the Rangasai Nataka Sangam, this marathon session of more than seven hours had a variety of plays right from farce and mono action to mime show. Each of the performances of the memorable event, kept the audience riveted to their seats.
P. Sivaprasad and his team staged a play ‘ Swagatham ’ which emphasised the significance of theatre in the promotion of culture and values in society. It revolved around an ace-thespian who prefers penury and suffering to the lure of commercial offers including celluloid roles.
Though a string of emotive scenes, its thrust effectively underscored the importance of theatre as a means of social message.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of a little known ‘Prahasanam’ (or farce) titled Kanyasulkam by legendary poet and social reformer Kandukuri Veresalingam, written long before Gurajada penned his magnum opus by the same title. While Gurajada treated the issue with great depth in its multiple socio, political, ethical and moral dimensions of of a society and its decadence, Kandukuri in this short piece focused intensely on the social evil in all its poignancy. With just three characters, the narrative unfolded the wretched plight of the girl child in the orthodox society of those times.
A play Assarabha sarabha, playlet Natullunnaru Jagratha . a mono action Chanikhya . mime show Plastic Bhootham and mimicry show evoked good response.
