Media Release

Udupi, Jun 19: Theatre Yaksha (R) Udupi presented an all-night Yakshagana performance, illuminated by oil lamps, at 'Infinite Soul' in Magadi, Bengaluru on June 16, as part of a training camp for New York-based theatre artistes.

The performance included the episodes 'Kumbhakarna Kalaga' and 'Kalinga Mardana' adapted from the Ramayana and Bhagavatha, respectively. The event commenced with an hour-long Poorvaranga, followed by the Uthararanga. The performance highlighted traditional Yakshagana elements such as the grand entry of Rama-Laxmana, Sugreeva's arrival, Hanuman's appearance, Ravan's entry, Kumbhakarna's presence, Shurpanakha's arrival, unique entry and exit steps, captivating fight sequences, and presentation of different rasas.

Approximately 30 theatre artists from America witnessed this rare full-night Yakshagana, which was directed by Prithviraj Kavathar and organized by renowned theatre personalities Kirtana and Konark Reddy.

The theatre artistes who witnessed the show appreciated the artistic fusion of folk and classical elements and the creation of an imaginary mythological realm. Dr Amanda, a theatre person researching Natya Shastra, was deeply moved by watching the show, stating, "I have witnessed an art performance representative of live Indian theatre."

In the beginning, Prithviraj Kavathar gave an introductory note on the show.

Mahesh Kanyadi, Vishwas Karbet, Skanda Konnar, Rajaneesh Padubidri, Dheeraj handled the background music’s; Shashikiran Kavu, Shanbhayya Kanjarpane, Sunil Bhaskar Pallamajal, Nagesh Bailoor, Pavan Dev Venur, Balakrishna Mijar, Laxmana Marakada, Suresh Bayar, Shiavananda Perla, Adarsh Moodabidri, Shrisha Narayana Hegde, Rakshith Guddeyangadi, Santhosh Panjikal, and Anvesh Bantwal played various roles in the show.

Greenroom and backstage was handled by Pramod, Shivaram Panja, Nithin Padubidri.