The inauguration of 'Ranga Shankara Theatre Fest 2012' happened in a unique manner recently. A play was enacted right outside the theatre hall to welcome the audience.
![A scene from Piya Behrupiya.]( "A scene from Piya Behrupiya.")
The actors covered the entire premises effectively. They reached out to the audience sitting in the lobby, cafeteria and the bookstore. The audience, eagerly awaited the
staging of Piya Behrupiya, an adaptation of 'Twelfth Night' by William Shakespeare. If Shakespeare was alive, he would have been fascinated to see such an adaptation. The play was directed by Atul Kumar from 'The Company Theatre' Mumbai.
The play was an absolute treat for the audience. The characters of Cesario, Orisino, Olivia, Sebastian, Malvolio and others were enacted in a humourous manner.
The play was different in its approach. Almost every character interacted with the audience. Acts, such as Viola dressing up herself like a man to fit into the character of Cesario, was done on stage, elegantly.
Sudha Murthy, the chairperson of Infosys Foundation, who had come to watch the play, said, "The play was excellent. What I really liked is the usage of contemporary languages. Starting from Punjabi, Marathi to Hindi, we had host of languages and dialects in the play. This was indeed very creative. Also, the interaction with the audience members enhanced the effect of the play. I am happy that I came here."
The narrative of the story was taken ahead by the effective use of songs. Almost every character broke into a song every two minutes. The harmonium was a vital instrument which provided the needed musical background throughout the play. The chemistry amongst the actors, their body language, and their quick-witted humour enriched the play.
Malavika Kapoor, a member of the audience, said, "The music was excellent. I appreciate the way Shakespeare has been portrayed in Indian culture. I loved the use of various languages, and they have utilised every opportunity to break into a song. I think the play is brilliant."
Atul Kumar, the director of the play, said, "Shakespeare can be kept alive only when we adapt him into our culture. When I read 'Twelfth Night' with the intention of possibly directing it for 'Globe to Globe', I could hear the music from Page 1! That is what I have attempted to do throughout the play. I am overjoyed with the reception that we are getting. We were eager to perform at Ranga Shankara, and the audience has been very encouraging. They applauded for almost every scene. Truly, it was a pleasure performing in Bangalore."
The actors covered the entire premises effectively. They reached out to the audience sitting in the lobby, cafeteria and the bookstore. The audience, eagerly awaited the staging of Piya Behrupiya, an adaptation of 'Twelfth Night' by William Shakespeare. If Shakespeare was alive, he would have been fascinated to see such an adaptation. The play was directed by Atul Kumar from 'The Company Theatre' Mumbai.
The play was an absolute treat for the audience. The characters of Cesario, Orisino, Olivia, Sebastian, Malvolio and others were enacted in a humourous manner.
The play was different in its approach. Almost every character interacted with the audience. Acts, such as Viola dressing up herself like a man to fit into the character of Cesario, was done on stage, elegantly.
Sudha Murthy, the chairperson of Infosys Foundation, who had come to watch the play, said, "The play was excellent. What I really liked is the usage of contemporary languages. Starting from Punjabi, Marathi to Hindi, we had host of languages and dialects in the play. This was indeed very creative. Also, the interaction with the audience members enhanced the effect of the play. I am happy that I came here."
The narrative of the story was taken ahead by the effective use of songs. Almost every character broke into a song every two minutes. The harmonium was a vital instrument which provided the needed musical background throughout the play. The chemistry amongst the actors, their body language, and their quick-witted humour enriched the play.
Malavika Kapoor, a member of the audience, said, "The music was excellent. I appreciate the way Shakespeare has been portrayed in Indian culture. I loved the use of various languages, and they have utilised every opportunity to break into a song. I think the play is brilliant."
Atul Kumar, the director of the play, said, "Shakespeare can be kept alive only when we adapt him into our culture. When I read 'Twelfth Night' with the intention of possibly directing it for 'Globe to Globe', I could hear the music from Page 1! That is what I have attempted to do throughout the play. I am overjoyed with the reception that we are getting. We were eager to perform at Ranga Shankara, and the audience has been very encouraging. They applauded for almost every scene. Truly, it was a pleasure performing in Bangalore."