Mysuru: There is something very mystic about Sufi music and it sounds ethereal especially in a setting like Vanaranga with the trees as the backdrop and an open sky adding to the joy. A large crowd gathered at Rangayana here yesterday, nodded in appreciation to the philosophy of the lyrics that Sufi singer Dr. Jayadevi Jangamashetti in her melodious voice rendered.

It was the third day of the National Theatre Festival ‘Bahuroopi’ and going by the response, the people of Mysuru have literally taken to the festival, especially with the setting being something that people anywhere in the country would love to be a part of, is the feeling among the theatre aficionados.

The spiritual significance of the songs that Dr. Jayadevi sang took the audience to a different level as the songs were all pregnant with meanings related to life like ‘Deha kanutada, dehada roopa kanutada…,’ ‘Kadita yavva kadita havu kadita…,’ ‘Kogile chalva kogile, muddu kogile…,’ ‘Tanna taana tilada mele innenu innenu…,’ ‘Man kuntu mola…’ The accompanying musicians lifted the songs to greater heights.

Mari kunita mesmerises audience: Apart from the professional theatre artistes, Bahuroopi also encourages young talents. The students of Balamandira Government Girls School presented the traditional ‘Mari kunita.’ They had large bindis on their forehead and holding neem leaves in their hands danced, paying obeisance to Goddess Maramma, which created a feeling of devotion among the audience. At this point, a member of the troupe started dancing as though she was possessed. She was calmed down by making her sit next to the dais.

Plays in three different languages: Three plays in three different languages including Kannada, Bengali and Manipuri were staged yesterday. In the mini theatre, ‘Sanchari’ play was witnessed by a good gathering, as it was a musical play.

The Bengali play ‘Manasamangala’ directed by Prakash Bhattacharya staged at Bhoomigeeta also attracted the attention of theatre lovers. Manasa, who craves for the love of Lord Shiva’s bhakta Chandradara, kills six of his sons and destroys his ships thus exhibiting her anger.

Even then, he does not accept her as a Goddess and embarks on sea journey. He gives his son Lakshmindra’s hand in marriage to Behula, who protects the family. Nandadeep Theatre Group artistes presented the play.

Shakespeare’s play ‘Macbeth’ presented in Manipuri language at Kalamandira also was a success. The play directed by Ratan Theam was staged by Chorus Repertory Theatre artistes and they were so good in emoting that the language did not sound like a barrier at all.

The feelings of lust, power, aggrandisement, psychological trauma that Macbeth experiences, which also reflects the mood of the society today, was depicted beautifully by the artistes.

The theme of ‘Migration’ that Bahuroopi chose for this year was in ample evidence all over Rangayana and it will   continue to draw crowds in the coming days too.