Nirolagana Kichchu, a play based on the life and works of Safdar Hashmi, is being performed on Saturday as part of a three-day theater festival in Shivamogga. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Artistes representing the Shivamogga unit of the progressive theater group Samudaya staged the play Nirolagana Kichchu, which brought to life the landmark events of Indian street theatre.
The play, presented on Saturday as part of Samudaya’s golden jubilee celebrations, was a tribute to Safdar Hashmi, the playwright and theater director who was attacked by goons during a performance in Delhi on January 1, 1989. He succumbed to his injuries the following day. His partner Moloyashree decided to stage the aborted play at the same location within 48 hours of Hashmi’s death. The event remains one of the most important street performance events in the country.
Directed by Sasvehalli Sathish, Nirolagana Kichchu begins with the story of the attack on Safdar Hashmi. The performance of the actors puts the audience in a good mood with a fair performance of the playwright. The play deals with the relationship between master and servant, rich and poor, and the haves and have-nots. The play leaves the audience with questions and makes them wonder who to side with. It occasionally serves as a commentary on current politics, politicians and swamiyas, among others. He also takes a stand against blind faith and practices.
Well-trained actors Chandrashekhar Shastry, who plays the role of the master, and Chandrashekhar Hiregonigere, the actor who plays the servant, won the hearts of the audience. Ganesh Sahyadri, Shruthi Adarsha and others in the ensemble also impressed the audience with their performances.
Tomorrow, Kichchu did not share in Shivada on Saturday. | Photo credit: SPELY ARTERNENT
The director used songs, including those penned by Siddalingaiah and Mudnakudu Chinnaswamy, which engaged the audience. Mr. Sathish said the play served the occasion of Samudaya’s golden jubilee celebrations aptly as it dealt with the themes that the group started with in 1975.
The three-day festival, which began on Friday, November 7, was organized by Samudaya Shivamogga with the support of Karnataka Nataka Academy, Kannada and Culture Department and Shivamogga Rangayana. On the first day, the Nenapu Cultural and Educational Charitable Trust in Bengaluru presented Mayadveepa, a play based on Shakespeare’s The Tempest. The festival concluded on Sunday with a production of Charuvasantha, a play written by Hampana. Alvas Ranga Shikshana Kendra staged the play directed by Jeevan Ram Sullya.
Published – 9 Nov 2025 20:02 IST
