Artistes during rehearsals | Photo Credit: special arrangement This weekend, one of Jandhyala’s best writings is being staged in Telugu asMiddle Class Melodies, directed by Rohith Raj Akula of Dharmi Theatre Academy. Set against the backdrop of familial dynamics and financial aspirations, it is based on Jandhyala’s play Madhya Taragati Mandahaasam written in the 80s. The play explores the antics of three ambitious sons-in-law vying for the provident fund of their retired father-in-law. Interestingly Rohith, who had acted in the play while pursuing his post graduation in Theatre Arts from Osmania University, says, “A blend of sharp wit and relatable...

The play is being organised and performed by city-based Udalveli Arts Foundation  | Photo Credit: Special arrangement The street play Panchali Sabatham originally lasts an entire night. “It is usually performed from 10.30pm and goes on till 6am the next day,” says therukoothu veteran PK Sambandan. The 72-year-old, who runs the Purisai Duraisamy Kannappa Thambiran Therukoothu troupe in Purisai village in Thiruvannamalai district, is bringing the play to the city this weekend. This version though, is suited for stage performances, and is an hour long. The play is being organised and performed by city-based Udalveli Arts Foundation in association with Purisai...

Chukki KR (second from left) with kids at Nali Mana | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Art has been a powerful tool for self-expression and emotional exploration for centuries. Studies show engaging in creative pursuits can trigger the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This can elevate mood, boost self-esteem, and even reduce stress hormones. In child development, art offers a unique advantage – it provides a safe space for young minds to navigate complex emotions, build self-awareness, and develop coping mechanisms. This is precisely the philosophy behind Nali Mana, a Bengaluru-based initiative that harnesses the power...

A scene from the play Roudhiram Pazhagu. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Before Komal theatres’ play Roudhiram Pazhagu began, Dharini Komal (story and direction) announced that it was based on the Nirbhaya rape case, which shook the nation some years ago. But it turned out that it was not based on the crime, but was mostly a recounting of the exact events of the case. Only the name Nirbhaya had been changed to Deepika. The kernel of an idea stemming from an actual event is understandable. But a reproduction of what happened could have been handled better. However, Dharini must...

A still from the play | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Samasthi, an amateur theatre group in Bengaluru, will stage Chitrapata. Originally written in Kannada, HS Venkatesha Murthy’s Chitrapata Ramayana looks at the epic from the folk perspective. Manjunath L Badiger, a Ninasam graduate, says, “Chitrapata is not the story of Valmiki’s Ramayana.” There are traces of Helavanakatte Giriyamma’s poetic works in the play, Manjunath says. “The author has adopted a style where the story is narrated using Pattachitra, a traditional painting from Odisha. Pictures and folk songs and dances form an integral part of the play.” Chitrapata draws heavily from...