From the pages of the epic "Mahabharata," a musical presentation titled "Krishna" by Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra is being staged at the Kamani Auditorium here from August 2-5 on the occasion of Janmashthami.
Directed by Padamshri Shobha Deepak Singh, the presentation attempts to make accessible the popular Hindu folklore that has enthralled people for more than three thousand years.
"Although people are aware of the story of the Mahabharata, they do not know it the way they should. With the script rewritten in Hindi, we try to make them understand it better," she says.
"These teachings have perpetually inspired one and all not only in their traditional context, but also their contemporary relevance," Singh says.
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Much like the epic itself, the two-and-half-hour-long drama has been neatly divided into two parts: the first depicting heartwarming episodes around the makhan chor and his amorous encounters with the gopis, particularly Radha; and the second showcasing the battle between the Pandavas and Kauravas in Kurukshetra.
Gandhari, who loses all her 100 children in the Battle of Kurukshetra, curses Krishna that even though he was God, he would die a mortal's death, which eventually lead to his liberation.
Running into its 40th edition, the dance drama has been staged every year by the Shriram Kala Kendra on the occasion of Janmashthami.
"We have been doing the show for the last 38 years. We try to give it a fresh flavour with changes in choreography, costumes and lighting," Singh says.
Singh, who is also a costume designer, has designed the costumes for the presentation this year. The designs are inspired from traditional pichwai works and miniature paintings.
"The costumes and jewellery are all made by inhouse designers of the institute," she says.