Value of knowledge
MANU REMAKANT
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Histrionics, music and witty dialogues breathed life into the characters of the play ‘Venalil Virinja Poovu.’
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PLAY IN PLAY: A scene from `Venalil Virinja Poovu.' PHOTO: S. GOPAKUMAR
Young theatre persons of Rangaprabhath, a children’s theatre troupe at Alunthara, captivated the audience at Vylloppilly Samskriti Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram with their play ‘Venalil Virinja Poovu.’ Their histrionics and their nar
rative style, a blend of dance and music, skilfully brought alive the characters of the play, which was based on a story by Tagore. It was adapted for the stage by the late theatre doyen G. Sankara Pillai.
The play, which revolves around the plight of a farmer as he fights to survive the summer drought, was ably coordinated by the artistic director of the theatre, K.S. Geetha.
The drama begins with the farmer plucking lotus from his pond, the only one in his country that has not dried up. He plans to sell the flowers to the highest bidder to earn money to buy food for his children. He tries in vain to sell the flowers to the king and other high-ranking officials in the court. Witty dialogues and songs introduce viewers to the power brokers in the palace and the social hierarchy.
Finally, the farmer comes across a mendicant and that is when he realises that there are values more precious than money. He showers his flowers on the feet of the sage and all he wants in return is a speck of dust from the seer’s feet.
The conclusion of the play subtly drives home the value of sacrifice. The play abounds in visual appeal right from the beginning when the pond and the lotus flowers are beautifully represented by children dressed in suitable apparels. The simple costumes fitted the plot. The set, properties and music worked in tandem to create the right background for the story. The songs by Keerthi Krishna and Ardra were enthralling.
Inculcate values
Thirty-five students played the various roles in the play. “This is an important play of Prof. G. Sankara Pillai and as it tries to inculcate rich values in children,” points out Geetha.
Established in 1970 by G. Sankara Pillai and K. Kochunarayana Pillai, Rangaprabhath strives to provide educational and recreational activities for children to enhance their innate talent and confidence. The play came to an end with a couple of folk songs rendered by the participants of Rangaprabhath. The staging of the play was held in connection with ‘Mambazhakalam,’ an ongoing summer camp for children at Vyloppilly Samskriti Bhavan.
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