In the evocative tapestry of Girish Karnad’s English adaptation of his iconic 1980 Kannada play, “Hittina Hunja,” retitled “Bali: The Sacrifice,” audiences are plunged into a narrative that tackles the struggles of faith, love, and moral dilemmas. The story centers around a king entwined in a heart-wrenching conflict between his deep affection for his Jain queen, who staunchly refuses to harm any form of life, and his pressing obligation to appease his mother, who insists on sacrificial rites.
This thought-provoking 90-minute drama intricately explores the dialectics of violence and belief, resonating powerfully with Arundhati Raja, the director who chose to revisit and reinterpret the play for Jagriti Theatre in 2021 as a homage to the legendary Karnad. “The play, like all of Girish Karnad’s works, is crafted from an ancient epic, which he skillfully reimagines into compelling drama. This unique blend drew me to Bali, as well as to direct other Karnad plays such as The Dreams of Tipu Sultan and Yayati,” Arundhati shares. “My approach has always been to spotlight the underlying societal issues he addresses through his dialogues and narratives, rather than relying on traditional design and performance techniques.”
Arundhati’s vision reaches beyond the surface-level conflict of religious differences. She perceives the confrontation between the queen and the king’s mother as emblematic of a deeper, insidious patriarchal demand for a male heir—a form of violence often overshadowed by physical aggression. “What truly constitutes violence?” she contemplates. “Is violence only restricted to bloodshed and physical abuse? What about the relentless pressure on a woman to produce an heir? Or the societal compulsion on a man to abandon an infertile wife? Even the humiliation faced by a lowly mahout, lauded for his melodious voice but demeaned for his appearance, demands scrutiny.”
The rich literary and historical heritage underpinning “Bali: The Sacrifice” is another layer that adds depth to the narrative. Karnad himself acknowledged that the roots of his play could be traced back to the 13th-century Kannada epic, Yashodhara Charite, and even further to analogous stories from the first century. This historical continuum highlights the timelessness of legends and the multifaceted characters in Indian culture.
Additionally, the enduring power of such age-old narratives underscores contemporary issues. “I make no specific attempt to render anything relevant,” Arundhati asserts. “The relevance is embedded within the script itself.
. The adage ‘Theater is a mirror to the audience’ holds especially true in a Karnad play.”
Taking on the mantle of direction for “Bali: The Sacrifice” posed significant challenges, particularly in the absence of Karnad’s guiding presence—a support she had access to while directing “The Dreams of Tipu Sultan” and “Yayati.” Arundhati recalls, “He was always just a phone call away, willing to attend rehearsals and spend time with the cast. His insights were invaluable. However, once I delved into the script, I immersed myself fully into the world of Bali.”
The play offers a poignant reflection on the perennial nature of violence, posing critical questions about human behavior and societal norms. Despite the passage of time, human beings continue to grapple with varied forms of violence—be it physical, emotional, or societal. By exploring these power dynamics, societal pressures, and the destructive fallout from conflicts, the play prompts introspection about human nature.
When queried about the contemporary resonance of a play conceived over two decades ago, Arundhati opines, “Time passes, but human beings fundamentally remain the same. We still face violence in its myriad forms. Can we do something about it? Should we try harder? These are questions worth pondering. I don’t believe that a play should preach.”
“Bali: The Sacrifice” is set to grace the stage five times between August 30 and September 1 at Jagriti Theatre, Whitefield. It is suitable for audiences aged 16 and above, with tickets available on BookMyShow. As the play unfolds, the timeless themes of love, loss, and power will resonate profoundly, reaffirming the enduring power of Karnad’s storytelling.
A still from ‘Bali: The Sacrifice’
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
A still from ‘Bali: The Sacrifice’
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
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