In memory of drama artiste and critic late K Raman, Amrutha Varshini Cultural Association is staging two back-to-back mythology dramas, Hanumadvijayam and Satya Harischandra, on 26th July, at Sri Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University.
Hanumadvijayam is about Lord Hanuman in the Ramayana, and the padyanataka consists of events that took place during Hanuman's journey to Lanka in search of Sita. During the journey, he faces many obstacles including the dragon demon Sursa in the rough sea.
In Lanka, after successfully meeting Sita, Hanuman fights the demon king Ravana's army and completely destroys them, but eventually gets captured by Ravana's son Meghnath. Ravana, as a punishment, sets Hanuman's tail on fire and leaves him. But Hanuman, with many boons bestowed on him, burns most of Lanka and returns to Lord Rama successfully.
Satya Harischandra is a famous play of a king who sacrifices his kingdom, riches and also his family for the sake of the truth. Tonite, a scene of Harischandra in the burial ground will be staged.
After abdicating his throne and kingdom, Harischandra works in a burial ground to support his family. As fate starts haunting Harischandra, his son dies of snake bite. Accusing Harischandra's wife Chandramati of child murder, the local king sentences her to death and orders Harischandra to execute her. The righteous Harischandra obeys the order and attempts to hack his wife. Just when he is about to execute the order, Lord Shiva appears and blesses him by bringing his son back to life and returning his throne.
Sirigiri Ramachari, Rayana Subbarao, Nagaraju, Guduru Sudha and V Babu Rao are enacting the characters in both the padyanatakas. N Bhaktavatsala Reddy, Registrar of Telugu University, is the chief guest. The other renowned guests are B Shanta Kumar, President of Income Tax Officers Association, and Nagi Reddy and Dhananjaychari, both theater actors.
K Raman was a renowned actor in mythology and social plays who worked effortlessly in reviving the padyanatakas from extinction. A Guntur-based actor, he has featured in more than 1,000 padyanatakas. He was a writer and a composer, too. He expired on 19th June, 2004, leaving behind a legacy of disciples who continue to spread this art.
Amrutha Varshini was established in 2002, by V Babu Rao, a theater actor, influenced and encouraged by late K Raman. Babu Rao has been organising a mythology drama every month during this year at different venues, in memory of late K Raman. An association dedicated to the theater, Amrutha Varshini won the silver Nandi at the Nandi Natakotsavams in 2004.
Please contact V Babu Rao at 98480-57656 for further details.