Russian Play ‘The Marriage of Balzaminov’ Delights Audiences at Bharat Rang Mahotsav, Bengaluru
Bengaluru, February 4, 2025: As part of the renowned Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2025, the world’s largest theatre festival, Bengaluru witnessed an alluring international production of ‘The Marriage of Balzaminov’ on Day 2 of its satellite chapter, presented by the esteemed Russian Institute of Theatre Arts, GITIS.
The occasion was graced by eminent personalities including senior theatre practitioner Kappanna, renowned writer and theatre enthusiast K. Marulasiddappa, B Suresha, Indian Film Director, Producer, Screenwriter & Actor, Banashankari V Angadi, Joint Director Kannada and Culture, Nirmala Mathapathi, Registrar, Karnataka Nataka Academy, and Dr. K V Nagarajamurthy, Chairman, Nataka Academy.
The play, written by the legendary playwright Ostrovsky, and directed by Nina Chusova, was performed at the Kalagrama Auditorium at 6:30 PM on February 2, 2025.
Set in the 1990s, during a time of profound societal and economic change in Russia, The Marriage of Balzaminov explored the universal human pursuit of happiness. The story followed Mishenka Balzaminov, an ordinary man navigating a world filled with dreams of wealth, while ultimately seeking personal fulfillment. The play masterfully captured the essence of human aspirations and desires, portraying the timeless theme of searching for happiness amidst uncertainty.
In collaboration with Karnataka Nataka Academy the Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2025 continues with exciting performances:
- Monday, February 3, 2025 sees the NSD Repertory Company, New Delhi, presenting Mai Ri Main Ka Se Kahun, written by Vijaydan Detha and directed by Ajay Kumar. This Hindi play will be performed at 6:30 PM and has a duration of 110 minutes.
- Tuesday, February 4, 2025 features Tajmahal ka Tender, a Hindi play written by Ajay Shukla, and directed by Chittaranjan Tripathy, who is currently serving as Director of National School of Drama. The NSD Repertory Company, New Delhi, will stage this performance at 6:30 PM, with a running time of 130 minutes.
- Wednesday, February 5, 2025 brings Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’, translated by Vindhya Harankaha. V4 Theatre from Sri Lanka will stage this sinhala-language production at 6:30 PM, directed by Jayanath Bandara. The performance will last 120 minutes.
- Thursday, February 6, 2025 features Paakuduraallu, a Telugu-language play written by Raavuri Bharadwaja and directed by Nasreen Ishaque. Presented by Nibha Theatre Ensemble from Hyderabad, this performance will begin at 6:30 PM and run for 110 minutes.
- Friday, February 7, 2025 showcases ‘Yayati’, written by Girish Karnad and translated by B. R. Narayan. The Bagban Theatre Group from Georai, Beed, Maharashtra, will perform this Hindi play at 6:30 PM, directed by Aslam Yunus Sheikh. The play will have a duration of 160 minutes.
- Saturday, February 8, 2025, marks the closing of the festival with ‘Jasma Odan’, written by Shanta Gandhi, and directed by B. Jayashree. Performed by the NSD Bengaluru Centre, this Kannada-language play will begin at 6:00 PM and last 105 minutes.