Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, May 30: The story of Chitradurga's historically infamous Dalawai Muddana, a military commandant who without hesitation, used to kill those who came in the way of his desire to become the king and earned the adjectives like blood-thirsty, cruel and deceptive politician, is being brought on stage in Yakshagana form for the first time. The first ever attempt to depict Muddana's story in Yakshagana form is being made by Saligrama Yakshgana troupe artistes.

Antihero Dalawai Muddana had caused blood shed for a period of 15 years between 1596 and 1611 AD in Chitradurga, for his selfish motives. His story has been aptly titld 'Mrityu Simhasana' or a throne that is death-bed. Dr Y Chandrashekhar Shetty has authored this episode, based on a few novels written by the late Kannada litterateur Ta Ra Subba Rao.

Dalawai Muddana had caused blood-shed in Chitradurga and as a result, the throne of Chitradurga earned the dubious distinction of being a death-bed. As such, heirs to the throne turned fearful of ascending it. Muddana's aim had been to keep the rulers of Chitradurga under his control. Even though he had uncontrollable desire to ascend the throne and become the king, he does not do so, as he too became apprehensive of the infamy earned by the throne. He mercilessly killed those who raised voice against his methods. At the end, a maid who was sincere to the royal family caused hid death.

Mela organizers Raghavendra Mayya and Srinivas Hiriyadka informed here on Friday May 29, that the performance promises to be a unique experience, with the roles having been distributed, taking into account the individual strengths of the artistes. The story will get unfolded at Poornaprajna Hall here on Sunday, May 31.