Maya Bazaar - A Mythological Drama By Surabhi

Kidambi Raghunath Foundation of America, pays homage to Late Dr. Kidambi Raghunath. On this occasion, Maya Bazar, a mythological play by Sri Venkateshwara Natya Mandali, or also called Surabhi Theatres is being organised.

The play is written by Malladi Venkata Krishna Sarma, directed by A Manohar and presented by R Nageshwar Rao of Surabhi. Surabhi is the oldest theater group in India, started sometime in the 1890s by Vannarusu Govind Rao. A few decades later, this group split into 3 sub-groups. Only one of them survives now, and is called the Sri Venkateshwara Natyamandali. Aaradhana, a social and cultural organization is conducting this group's 65th anniversary celebrations at Sri Thyagaraja Gana Sabha this month.

The veteran Surabhi artists of the group R Dasaradhi Rao, R Bhoja Raju and V Venkata Rao will be honored on the occasion. The artists of the group will then present the play - Maya Bazaar.

Mayabazar is based on the celebrated episode in the Mahabharata in which Arjuna's son Abhimanyu falls in love with Balarama's daughter Sasirekha. Balarama is against the marriage as Abhimanyu doesn't have any kingdom to inherit, and moreover his father is in exile. Krishna advises Abhimanyu to approach Bheema's son Ghatotkacha for help. Ghatotkacha, with his magical powers, transforms himself into Sasirekha, and starts staying in the Kingdom, as the original goes romancing Abhimanyu.

Abhimanyu in due course marries Sasirekha with Krishna's blessings. Unaware of all this, Balarama arranges his daughter's marriage with Duryodhana's son. But the bride appears as a ghost to the groom, and he runs away in fear. Angered by this, Balarama vows to kill Abhimanyu, but Krishna intervenes and pacifies him.

The 3-hour long play is being performed at the Thyagaraya Gana Sabha, this Saturday. Chief Guest for this function is Gnanpeeth awardee, Padmabhushan Dr. C Narayana Reddy. Guests of Honour are Kidambi Prabha Raghunath, wife of Late Dr. Kidambi Raghunath and Dr. Vanguri Chitten Raju, Comedy Writer, among a host of other eminent and distinguished guests.

Please contact Vamsee Ramaraju at 98490-23852 for further details.