The cultural calendar of Mysuru is set to be enriched once again with the grand return of the Bahuroopi National Theatre Festival. Organized by the renowned Rangayana Mysuru, the 24th edition of this prestigious event will be held from January 11 to January 18, 2025. This festival stands as a vibrant testament to India's rich and diverse theatrical heritage, bringing together artists and audiences from across the nation.
A Confluence of Theatrical Traditions
This year's festival promises an impressive lineup of 22 plays performed in 10 different Indian languages. The linguistic diversity is a core feature, with performances scheduled in Kannada, Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Malayalam, Manipuri, Assamese, Odia, Sanskrit, and Telugu. Such a wide array ensures that the festival truly represents the pan-Indian spirit of theatre. The inaugural play on January 11 will be "Kadu Kudure" (Wild Horse), directed by the festival's own director, Jeevan Ram Sullia.
The festival will be inaugurated by esteemed playwright and director Girish Karnad's son, Rohan Karnad. The opening ceremony will also see the presence of notable figures like film director T.S. Nagabharana and Rangayana's director Addanda C. Cariappa. Each day of the festival will feature three plays, offering a packed schedule for theatre enthusiasts. Performances are slated for 3 pm, 6 pm, and 7 pm daily at the Rangayana premises, creating a continuous celebration of the dramatic arts.
Celebrating Legacy and Artistic Dialogue
Beyond the stage performances, the Bahuroopi festival is designed to be a holistic cultural experience. A key highlight is the daily 'Chavadi' (interactive session) held at 10 am. These sessions will feature discussions with the directors and artists of the plays performed the previous day, fostering a deeper understanding and dialogue between creators and the audience. This initiative breaks down the barrier between the stage and the seats, making theatre a more inclusive and engaging art form.
The festival also pays homage to literary and theatrical giants. This edition will celebrate the birth centenary of the legendary Kannada novelist S.L. Bhyrappa. Furthermore, a special tribute is planned for the late B.V. Karanth, the visionary founder of Rangayana, whose pioneering work in theatre continues to inspire. These tributes root the contemporary festival in a rich historical and artistic context, connecting past masters with present practitioners.
Logistics and Cultural Impact
For the convenience of patrons, season tickets for all eight days are priced at Rs. 500, while daily tickets will be available for Rs. 100. The festival is organized under the auspices of the Department of Kannada and Culture, Government of Karnataka, highlighting state support for the arts. By transforming Mysuru into a national hub for theatre each January, Bahuroopi significantly boosts cultural tourism and provides an invaluable platform for regional language theatre to gain national recognition. It reinforces Mysuru's status not just as a palace city, but as a living centre for performing arts in South India.
