Ye Velugulaki Prasthanam - A Mythology Drama By Kalavani

Yuvakalavahini, in association with Saripally Kondala Rao, is organising the Dr. Akkineni Nageshwara Rao Nataka Kala Parishad State Level Padya & Gadya Nataka Competitions 2007, from 10th to 14th September, at the Ravindra Bharathi auditorium. A total of four gadya natakas (prose drama) - Aatma Katha, Kabir Das, Rangula Ratnam and You - and five padya natakas (verse drama) - Nartanashala, Sri Khadga Tikkana, Ye Velugulaki Prasthanam, Bhukailash and Chiruthonda Nambi - will be staged during 5-day competitions.

Today, the third day, Kalavani from the Godavari districts will stage the padya nataka Ye Velugulaki Prasthanam, directed by M Prasada Murthy and written by Munisundaram. This play is about Lord Buddha and his sacrifice of royal pleasures in search of truth and enlightenment.

Lord Buddha, initially called Siddhartha, was the son of King Kapilavastu. Moved by animal sacrifices and the death of human beings and living creatures due to illness and old age, he abandoned his royal luxuries and family, and became a bikshu (monk). The play deals with how Siddhartha transformed into the Buddha and founded Buddhism.

M Prasada Murthy is one of the popular directors in Telugu theater. Hailing from Rajahmundry, he entered theater as early as in 1972, as an actor, and participated in a number of full-length plays. He started directing plays from 1976, and was instrumental in starting Kalavani, in Rajahmundry, which has now expanded to seven branches in both the Godavari districts.

Under Kalavani, he has directed many stage and street plays, winning many awards, including Nandi Awards for Best Actor, Best Director and Best Producer. Sureedu, Sindooram, Sabhyati and Goranta Deepam are some of the playlets, and Vaitalikudu, Amarajeevi, Telugu Velugu, Ye Velugulaki Prasthanam, Putrotsaham and Sweta Patram are some of the plays he has directed.

The best play in each of the two categories, gadya and padya natakams, will receive Rs. 15,000 each, and all participating plays will be given Rs. 10,000 each.

Please contact Y K Nageshwara Rao of Yuvakalavahini at 99086-30555 for further details.