Mysuru: The Hindu epic of ‘Ramayana,’ has no doubt brought out the camaraderie between brothers Rama and Lakshmana. But the audience at Kalamandira got to witness some emotional moments between two other warring brothers — Vali and Sugriva — as written by Rashtrakavi Kuvempu in “Poondenagniye Sakshi” and “Ni Satyavrathane Ditam,” verses of ‘Sri Ramayana Darshanam’.

Artistes of Sri Gajanana Yuvaka Mandala, Sheshagiri, Haveri, gave a commendable performance of the play ‘Vali Vadhe’ which was directed by M. Ganesh, on the second day of ‘Rangavalli Rangasambhrama’ at Kalamandira here yesterday.

In the director’s words, the team that performed was a second generation of families at Sheshagiri which depend mostly on agriculture and are passionate about theatre art. Also among the artistes was an auto driver and a person who runs a small hotel ‘Ranga Priya’ at Sheshagiri. All of them have a common connecting thread — love of theatre.

Right from the props used, the make-up, the language and the best part the music, also by Director M. Ganesh, made the audience thoroughly enjoy the play that showcased how Vali, who ruled the kingdom of Kishkindha, was challenged by demon ‘Maayaavi’ for a fight and the differences between Vali and his brother Sugriva that ensued.

Using Yakshagana, Kalari and Manipuri art forms, the play wonderfully and thematically displayed how Vali, who ultimately won the combat with the demon and returned home, concluded that his brother had betrayed him on seeing Sugriva acting as a king and the aftermath. Though Sugriva humbly attempted to explain himself, he was ostracised from the kingdom and the brothers became bitter enemies. In exile, Sugriva came in contact with Lord Rama, who was in search of his wife Sita who was abducted by Ravana, king of the Rakshasas in Lanka. Rama promised Sugriva that he would kill Vali. Together, Sugriva and Rama went out to seek Vali. With Rama firmly backing him, Sugriva challenged Vali to fight with him. On the other side, Vali recalls Sugriva’s childhood and playful days and decides to give up his anger and thirst for power.

The climax showed how Lord Rama kills Vali and how painful it was for Sugriva when he learnt that Vali had reformed and how guilty Lord Rama felt having killed a reformed Vali. The scenes and dialogues made the audience pity Vali and realised that love prevails and not power.

Earlier, Mysuru-based music band ‘Naavu’ of ‘Jumboo Savari…’ fame, presented a Folk-Fusion in the Kindari Jogi premises.

Band members Shalom Sannutha on vocals and guitar, Anush A. Shetty on tabla, Shreekanta Swamy on drums, Shruthi Ranjani on violin and S.S. Rohith on bass guitar entertained the gathering with several of their compositions that included Naavu theme song, ‘Nagaradolage…’, ‘Dao Jing…’, ‘Metro City…’, ‘Maaye…’, ‘Metro City…’ and ‘Hutti Bande’.

As Sundaresh Devapriyam (Munna), the lead vocalist and guitarist of the band, had to attend a workshop in Germany on a short notice, Sannutha, the lead vocalist, who was a mandolin player, took up guitar. And she made sure that the audience did not feel the gap and thoroughly entertained them.

Fest concludes today

Today the theatre fest concludes with Classical Music Jugalbandhi at 4.30 pm and staging of Dr. Chandrashekhara Kambara’s play ‘Maarikadu’ by Bhoomika of Haradi-Udupi at 7 pm.