BWW Previews: RAKT KALYAN, Hindi translation of Girish Karnad's Taledanda to open in Mumbai

By: Feb. 25, 2019
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Some student productions present such a vibrancy and newness to older ideas, that you wish to catch them just for the new perspective they may bring along. Rakt Kalyan a Hindi translation of Girish Karnad's Taledanda all set to be staged in Mumbai, does just that.

This years, student production by Drama School Mumbai, presents a story written back in 1989, but as the organizers promise the story would still hold relevance today. Directed by Sunil Shaunbag the play is being hailed as important both historically and in current times.

The director said: "Rakt Kalyan is a powerful play that is important both historically and in current times. I am also very excited because I am directing a play written by Girish Karnad for the first time, something I have wanted always to do. I enjoy working with theatre students and am grateful for the opportunity at the Drama School Mumbai. The text is a big challenge for the students but they are eager to do their best and am sure they will do justice to themselves and the text. "

The play follows the mandirmandal controversy of 1989, the play draws parallels in the socio-­religious, political and economic conditions between southern India in the 12th century A.D. during Bhakti Movement and current times as we see them today. Eight hundred years ago in the city of Kalyan a man called Basavanna assembled a congregation of poets, mystics, social revolutionaries and philosophers ­ unmatched in their creativity and social commitment. They opposed idolatry, rejected temple worship, upheld equality of sexes, and condemned the caste system. Events take a violent turn when they act on their beliefs and an upper caste Brahmin girl is married to a non-­Brahmin boy. Rakt Kalyan (Tale­danda) is a story spanning a few weeks that shows how a vibrant, prosperous society is plunged into anarchy and terror.

The play will open on the 8th of March at Drama School Mumbai with shows until the 15th in Mumbai. After which the team will take their production to Bangalore and be back to Mumbai for their final leg of shows

Show Details:

Venue - Drama School Mumbai

Timing - 7 PM

Day & Dates:

Friday, 8th March (Premiere Show)

Saturday, 9th March

Sunday, 10th March

Venue - G5A

Timing - 7:30 PM

Day & Date - Friday, 15th March



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