Mysuru:  Rangayana, known for its innovative ventures, has embarked upon another new one now. After ten years gap, it is ready to stage again a completely classical music-based mythological play ‘Manmatha Vijaya.’

Ten years ago, Rangayana had staged a similar classical play ‘Sadarame’ which was directed by Y.M. Puttannaiah, who will now provide music and direct ‘Manmatha Vijaya’ based on ‘Kumara Sambhava,’ one of the epic works of Kalidasa which is scripted in Kannada by playwright Giri Bhatta Thammaiah.

The play which used to be of seven hours duration has been pruned to three hours — one hour of music and two hours of acting and dialogues. Despite the pruning of duration, the original essence of the story is maintained.

The play, being a musical, about 30 classical theatre songs are included in the play incorporating instruments like harmonium, tabla and clarinet. About 16 senior and 12 junior artistes are enacting the play.

The play will be staged on July 29 (Sunday) at 6.30 pm at Bhoomigeetha and tickets are priced at Rs. 50.

‘Manmatha Vijaya’ is a typical old company play. About 100 years ago, A.V. Varadacharya’s Ratnavali Theatrical Company had staged hundreds of classic plays like ‘Manmatha Vijaya’, ‘Shakuntala’, ‘Virata Parva’ and ‘Nirupama’ throughout the State, says Y.M. Puttannaiah.

Artistes of the play

Mahadeva, Pramila Bengre, Jagadish Manavarthe, Vanita, Puttalakshmi, Ramu, Vinayak Bhat Hasanagi, Geetha, Krishnakumar Narnakaje, Hoysala, Pradeep, Nandini, Hulegappa Kattimani, Saroja Hegde, Prashant Hiremath, Vanitha, Geetha and Shashikala.

The mythological play is choreographed by Dr. Tulsi Ramachandra, lighting by Mahesh Kallathi and costumes by B.M. Ramachandra.