About The Event
Gokula Nirgamana, a classic Kannada dance drama, portrays an adolescent and playful Krishna who is the heartthrob of Gokula. Endearing everyone and cheering them alike, irrespective of age and gender, he showers love, mesmerizes with his soothing, magical, and romantic acts, and immerses the village in platonic love. Meanwhile, a deceitful invitation is sent through Akroora by Kamsa, seeking Krishna and Balarama to visit Mathura. Provoked and persuaded by Balarama to leave, Krishna ultimately departs with a heavy heart, leaving behind his beloved Radha and his flute, which he considers an inseparable part of himself. The entire village falls into gloom at the news of his departure. The two-hour play is full of fun and frolic, depicting the bygone cultural grandeur of Gokula in a simple manner with subtle messages and a magnificent, magnetic performance by the artists. This musical extravaganza, with a Sanskrit inclination in its expression, builds an immediate rapport with the audience across linguistic barriers.
The production is scripted by Pu. Thi. Narasimhacharya (Pu.Ti.Na), who rendered rich literary constructions full of rhymical patterns and movements, and directed by the theatre legend B.V. Karanth with lilting music. Continuing the legacy of Benaka, founded by B.V. Karanth, this classic play has been staged in Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and all over Karnataka in many festivals, performed to packed audiences by energetic and enthusiastic Benakites. Well-defined lighting, ethnic sets, and apt costumes designed by Smt. Prema Karanth are used in the performance.
