March 1 beckons as a pivotal day for the world of Telugu theatre, as Govada Creations, a Hyderabad-based theatre group, steels itself to premiere their latest creation, Bhoothakalam. This is not just a typical staging but a test of mettle for the troupe as they broach uncharted waters. “Eee natakam oka pedda pariksha maaku (This play is a big exam for us),” declares Venkata Govada, the director, echoing the team’s spirit that is tinged with both excitement and the trepidation that accompanies a debut performance.
Venkata, who has diligently adapted acclaimed writer Diwakar Babu’s narrative for the stage, is the mind behind this 90-minute musical odyssey. The production, enriched with a dash of dance, operates within a minimalist yet versatile set and marshals the talents of a 30-strong ensemble of cast and crew members.
With a history spanning 15 years and a repertoire that includes around 25 Telugu plays, Govada Creations has woven social consciousness and human virtues into the fabric of their storytelling. Bhoothakalam follows suit, navigating through a panorama of human feelings, and emphasizing the latent power residing within the mind. It underscores a poignant message, as Venkata elucidates, “Instead of depending on God for all things to happen in life, the story encourages us to build our own lives,” whilst highlighting the pitfalls of avarice and duplicity.
The play unveils its modern-day parable with the character Kaamandu, the everyman at the brink of despair, pondering suicide after Ativa, the object of his affections, spurns him for his lack of wealth. From the supernatural weave of the tale, ghosts emerge, bestowing upon Kaamandu four ‘ravas’ – a clever twist on the word ‘varaalu’, meaning wishes. These spectral benefactors set the stage for a transformative journey, as Kaamandu leverages these wishes, only to confront a pivotal event that realigns his understanding, revealing that the strength and confidence he sought from the world were innate qualities, waiting to be acknowledged.
Venkata harbors aspirations that the audience will laud the originality of their approach to the story. The director sheds light on the current state of Telugu theatre, which, in his view, lingers in the amateur realm, making gradual strides towards professional reception. He compares this to the dynamism of other linguistic theatres known for their adventurous presentation and plots. Particularly, he reflects on the 75 Parishat groups across the Telugu-speaking states, noting their lack of evolution in style, albeit without casting judgment, as he remains a participant within this community. His endeavour with Bhoothakalam is an attempt at the conceptual shift needed to progress.
The practicality of showing Bhoothakalam across various venues rests on its financial feasibility, a common concern that plagues pioneering efforts in regional theatre. Nevertheless, this intriguing Telugu play is slated to grace the stage at Ravindra Bharathi on March 1. Theatre aficionados can secure their passage to this emotional and psychological voyage with tickets priced at ₹99, available through the online ticketing platform bookmyshow.com.
As Govada Creations continues to flesh out the rich tapestry of human experiences and values on this episodic stage, Bhoothakalam stands as a testament and a tribute to the capacity for internal discovery and empowerment, beckoning audiences to a mirror reflecting their own inner depth and the specters of their potential.
