-- Samir Umarye BY SAMIR UMARYE
The count down has began for the mega Marathi drama- first of it's kind in Goa- which would be packed with 225 artistes performing about 370 roles on a 6 storied revolving, moving, lifting and dangling stage. The masterpiece, herculean dream of some of the artists from Shri Vijayadurga Sanskrutik Mandal Keri Ponda has at last come true with their toilsome efforts. The mandal set up in 1991 came in lime-light when it organised 'Janata Raja' a mega drama based on the life of Shivaji Maharaj the Maratha warrior staged by famous Historian, Babasahebh Purandare. "There we were just the organisers and since then we had a dream to create a masterpiece of our own and 'Sambhavami Yuge Yuge' is just a creation of our innate desires" the writer of the drama Dr Narayan Desai explains. Directed by Dilip Desai 'Sambhavami Yuge Yuge', to be staged from November 8 at Goa Engineering College ground Ponda, depicts the life and message of Lord Shri Krishna. It includes the events of his birth, battle with serpent-demon Kalia, Govardhan Parvat miracle, encounter with Putna, Kansa, scenes from Mahabharata and several other episodes based on his life. The drama is full of dance and music with about 80 dancers which would enthrall the audience. The use of state-of-the-art technical inputs like sound, light, laser would further heighten the impact of the drama. To add to this there would be horses, elephants, chariots, cattles and other such things which are inseprable part of the play. Dr Desai points out, "This is a record making project in the history of Marathi theater in terms of budget, physical dimensions of the stage setting as well as number of participants. Another important feature is that the whole exercise is by the Goans and is being premiered in Goa before it goes before national audience and beyond." "We are planning to take the drama to other states including North India after dubbing it into other languages" he disclosed. "Ramayana and Mahabharat a are jewels of our scriptures with universal message. Lord Shri Krishna is not merely characters but heroes which embodies idealism and realism at philosophical plane." Dr Desai says. Eventhough the play has the same dimensions as that of 'Janata Raja' it has uniqueness of its own "The Maratha King lived in modern times and had his impact on limited geographical territory. The hero of SAMBHAVAMI YUGE YUGE - Lord Krishna, as a part of our age-old civilisation, has mass appeal and influence not only in the country but the entire world: it is an universal figure" Dr Desai explains. But the staging of this mega drama was not a child's play. The entire team had to burn the midnight oil, they had to undergo failures and at times the situation was not at all in their favour. The planes of organising the drama came to their mind way back in 2005 but the research took almost three years. In the mean time the production budget and the recurring cost was also redoubled. "We contacted several prominent persons for guidance including Prabhakar Panshikar (Actor), Mohan Wagh (choreographer), Babasahaibh Purandare ( Historian/maker of Janata Raja), Jayantrao Salgaonkar ( Kirtankar) and several other prominent personalities, it was only when they were assured about our abilities that they helped us." Dr Desai claims. One of the hurdle was that of choosing a name and for that the committee chose a novel method. As a means of promoting participatory spirit, organisers appealed to people to suggest a title for the mega-drama. There was good response. The title was suggested by Shri. Prasad Tukaram Sawant, who was rewarded with a certificate and cash award in a public function. This mega structure would cover an area of about 17000 sq. mts.The stage will have five different levels starting from the ground, and drama will unfold on all these levels. On the top of these level there would be a huge statue of lord Krishna. The distance between the stage and the audience is around 60 mts. and the seating area will accommodate 6500 people. There will be space for smooth movement of people inside the stands and for parking of vehicles including buses, cars and two-wheelers outside Architect Rajeev Desai told. "Goans are known for their artistic talent, and at times they have to leave the state to make a career.Young Goans would certainly gain confidence from this exercise and might venture for a better projects in the state" Director, Dilip Desai hopes. The role of honour in staging this mega drama goes to all the committee members but the real persons behind the scene include the Stage Designer, Architect Rajeev Desai, Site Preparation incharge, Abhijit Sadhale, Setting Design and Production incharge, Dayanand Bhagat; Costume Design incharge, Digambar Singbal; Choreographer, Mayur Vaidya; Music Director, Ashok Patki; Light Design, Satish Gauns; Vijayadurga Saunskrutik Mandal President, Arun Desai. "Goans are a drama lovers, they love and appreciate creativity and innovations. This maiden effort by Goan artists is a path-breaking event ushering in a new era marked by awakening of vibrant Goan spirit. Goans will surely take pride in this grand creation." the organisers speak with a confidence. ********************************************************************* SPECIAL FEATURES 1) First mega Production by the Goans 2) about 80 dancers to enthrall the audience 3) 225 artistes performing about 370 roles on a 6 storied stage 4) Horses, elephants, chariots, cattles and other such things, an inseparable part of the play. 5) Seating area will accommodate 6500 people