Mysore/Mysuru: City-based theatre group Rangavalli, which is popular for its experimental plays, has come out with its new production ‘Pratijna Mattu Swapna Nataka’ based on the Bhasa Mahakavi.

The play will be staged at Kirurangamandira (Mini Theatre) in Kalamandira premises in city from May 30 to June 2 everyday from 6.30 pm. For tickets, priced at Rs. 100 each, contact Mob: 95902-59095.

The play is directed by Saliyan Umesh Naryana and H.K. Dwarkanath has designed the set. Light design has been done by Krishnakumar Narnakaje, music by Digvijaya Heggodu, costume by K.R. Nandini and set properties by Santosh Kumar Kusanoor.

Bhasa is an extraordinary playwright of the classical Sanskrit theatre. Drawing themes from various sources, he wrote the four-act play ‘Pratijna Yaugandharayana’ and the famous six-act play ‘Swapna Vasavadatta’ based on the non-canonical Buddhist-Jain environment and the ‘Brihatkatha’ by Gunadhya.

Synopsis: Mahasena Pradyota is the king of Ujjayini. He has a daughter named Vasavadatte. Although many Kings sent envoys seeking her hand in marriage, Pradyota, out of deep affection for his daughter, was still in search of a worthy suitor. Meanwhile, a neighbouring King, ‘Udayana’ of Vatsa, possessed a unique veena named Ghoshavati, which enabled him to capture any elephant in mast with its music.

Pradyota, who had been a long-standing rival of Udayana, devised a plan using a mechanical elephant to capture Udayana when he came to tame it. Pradyota then planned to have Udayana teach his veena skills to Vasavadatte to ensure that the extraordinary knowledge of controlling elephants would be transferred to his family.

During this time, as Udayana taught and Vasavadatte learnt, they fell in love and eventually eloped to marry.

The play beautifully portrays Udayana’s Minister Yaugandharayana’s loyalty, Vasavadatte’s great sacrifice, Udayana’s second wife Padmavati’s compassion and Udayana’s true love.