Play on the lesser-known character
GUDIPOODI SRIHARI
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A tale on what is perhaps a mythological character.
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En- acted A scene from the play
The mythological play, Barbareekudu appears to have been written to point out at the way in which people from the lower strata of society are being suppressed or eliminated by those in power. To reflect this view, writers Souda an
d Aruna chose a theme with the backdrop of Mahabharata war. The play put up at Ravindra Bharati, by Dasya Theatre, last week, had the character of Barbareekudu, born out of his mother Jagni’s relationship with Arjuna, he is the protector of the Dandakaranya forest.
The story narrates how Barbareekudu is finally made a sacrificial goat of, even before the Mahabharata war begins. Barbareeaka is said to be a valiant hero who could wipe out the Kauravas single handed. His mother is a great devotee of Lord Krishna. Krishna comes across Barbareeka in Dandakaranyam, while the Pandavas were in ‘Aranya Vasam’ (living in the forest in exile). On knowing that the man in front of him is Lord Krishna, Barbareeka reveals to him that he is invincible and can wipe out all the Kauravas and Pandavas in one go. Krishna assesses his strength and realises that his presence in the war will be dangerous for the Pandavas. When war between the Pandavas and Kauravas becomes imminent, Jagni asks her son to join the Pandavas and help them win the battle.
Barbareeka obeys her and meets Dharmaja. On knowing his powers, Dharmaja hesitates to give the credit of winning the war to him. When Marichi Brahma conducts the yagjnam for the victory of Pandavas which includes the sacrifice o
f a human being, Barbareeka is chosen to be sacrified. To fulfil his last wish to at least watch the war till its end, granted by Sri Krishna, his head is hung up on a post.
Jagni, gets shock of her life and raises the question of injustice meted out to her son just because they are tribals.The artiste who played Jagni, Challa Lakshmi, was at her best . But this story has no authentic source in Mahabharata. Anil Kumar as Barbareekudu was impressive. Seshukumar donned the role of Sri Krishna. Meka Ramakrishna as Dharmaja, N.J.Vidyasagar as Mareechi Brahma and A. Sudhakar as Narada also gave neat performances. Surabhi Sankar’s stage craft and lightingadded to the play’s strength. Ravikanth on tabla and U.Venkatesh on flute lent support.
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