From Kudanthai Mali’s play Mahan Narayana Guru.
| Photograph Credit score: Particular Association
Mali’s stage just lately introduced the play Mahan Narayana Guru (written and directed by Kudanthai Mali), at Narada Gana Sabha. Mali is thought for his scripts with a social message. A play on the social reformer Narayana Guru, is, subsequently, proper up his avenue. Mali gave everybody within the viewers a pamphlet with quotes about Narayana guru. This gave one an concept not simply in regards to the Guru’s geographical attain, however the impression he made on many eminent individuals, together with Tagore and Gandhi.
The play begins with the delivery of Narayanan, Nanu to his household. The indicators of greatness are evident even when Nanu is a baby. He doesn’t blindly settle for guidelines, just because they’ve been adopted for hundreds of years. And as he grows older, his reformist zeal turns into stronger. His mom thinks marriage will assist him cool down. However he walks out of the wedding, and takes to penance.
From Kudanthai Mali’s play Mahan Narayana Guru.
| Photograph Credit score:
Particular Association
When decrease castes are denied entry into temples, he establishes a linga for them to worship. He is aware of that training is a instrument of empowerment, and his gurukulam contains youngsters from all castes. Once they recite a Sanskrit shloka with good diction, Rajagoplachariar, Diwan of Cochin and later Travancore, is satisfied that the guru is heading in the right direction.
Narayana Guru believed that it was the lifeless wooden of custom that needed to be discarded and never Hindu philosophy. Nor was he in opposition to any caste. In a scene within the play, he factors out that many reformers have been themselves Brahmins. His encounter with Ramana Maharshi, depicted within the play, is a gathering of two enlightened souls. They alternate no phrases, however talk in silence.
All the most important occasions within the lifetime of Narayana Guru have been captured by Mali, with a voice-over briefly mentioning those that might not be accommodated within the play. Mali’s Mahan Narayana Guru was extra like a documentary than a play, which was comprehensible. Though Narayana Guru’s concepts have been revolutionary, his strategies have been peaceable. So, clearly, one couldn’t anticipate a lot motion on stage.
Mali had encapsulated the guru’s teachings as a lot as he may in a two-hour play. Aside from Okay.R.S. Kumar, who performed the aged Narayana guru, the opposite actors had minor roles. Kicha had provide you with some good tunes for the play. Padma stage Kannan’s props have been minimal, however acceptable.
