‘Kadalika’ revived as powerful voice of social awakening

Vijayawada: As part of its cultural festival, Jashuva Samskrutika Vedika organised a staging of the acclaimed playlet Kadalika at the Makineni Basavapunnaiah Vignana Kendram Hall here on Saturday evening. Written and directed by veteran theatre personality M Sanjeevi, Kadalika was a trendsetting playlet of the 1970s. It was staged several times by Gurajada Kala Mandir and won several awards during that period. Its revival once again highlighted the continuing relevance of socially conscious theatre. The playlet presents a powerful portrayal of social awakening, focusing on issues such as feudal domination, exploitation by landlords, oppression of labourers, superstitious practices and the misuse of the Jogini system. At the centre of the narrative is a young man who questions these practices and emerges as a symbol of awareness, courage and resistance.

The revived production was presented by the Lower Sileru Kreeda Samskrutika Sakha of AP Genco, Motugudem, and directed by BKNS Prasad. The natural and convincing performances of BKNS Prasad as Rudrudu, UVR Varma as Narayana, Pilla Nataraj as the Landlord, Evana Ramesh Babu as Govindaiah, Srija Sadhineni as Mata and Selvaraj as Ganachari added strength to the production. Muraidora, Malli Babu, Suresh and Monish Kumar were also part of the cast. The technical support extended by Phani in lighting and set design and Raju in music enhanced the overall impact of the performance.

Earlier, a meeting was held on the same stage under the coordination of S Amruthavarshini. Gopalam Sambasiva Rao, SR Parimi, K Santarao and Chalasani Ajay spoke on the importance of socially conscious cultural and artistic forms in creating awareness among people in contemporary society.

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VRS PRASAD

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