The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : A potpourri of mistaken identities

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Apr 18, 2006

Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

A potpourri of mistaken identities

Staff Reporter

Sanket is presenting the comedy from April 18 to 23

LAUGH RIOT: A scene from the Kannada play `Neenaanaadrenaaneenena.'

Bangalore: Shakespeare's "Comedy of Errors" and similar such humorous plays of that era pioneered the genre of comedies based on mistaken identities, which are hugely popular even now.

And it is not just on stage that this variety is drawing audiences.

We have seen that many of the recent films made with themes based on comedy have had a good run at the box office.

Well, the same goes with Kannada theatre.

Plays that tickle the bones seem to be popular with the audience, and perhaps so do those that have a strong statement to make.

Here is one more for the avid theatregoer.

Sanket, the theatre company started by Shankar and Arundhati Nag, S. Surendranath and others is presenting a comedy in Kannada, with the name "Neenaanaadrenaaneenena," a real tongue twister, from April 18 to 23 at the Ranga Shankara.

The play brings together the talents of two popular Kannada actors Srinivasa Prabhu and "Sihi Kahi" Chandru.

What's interesting is that both of them, for the first time, play double roles on Kannada stage.

The play, written and directed by Mr. Surendranath adapts Shakespeare's "Comedy of Errors" into present-day Malleswaram.

The result is a hilarious potpourri of mistaken identities, where one mishap leads to another.

In this rollicking comedy, there are liberal doses of references to pulp fiction, old film songs and poetry. And the experience is enhanced by the presence of talented actors. Film-maker M.S. Sathyu has designed the sets and lighting while music is by V. Manohar. The cast includes some popular names of the small screen. Mr. Surendranath has co-directed most of Sanket's productions including "Nodi Swamy Naavirodu Heege," "Naga Mandala," "Hulagooru Huliyavva," "Janateya Shatru," "27 Mavalli Circle," "Hasirele Hannele" and so on.

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