A new English play Bust digs deep into the city's underbelly to unearth its mysterious and historical side using contemporary characters
A new English play Bust digs deep into the city's underbelly to unearth its mysterious and historical side using contemporary characters
He was taking a jog around Cubbon Park and suddenly a statue caught his attention. Surprised that all these years he had never really noticed it, theatre and film professional Ram Gnash Kamatham looked more closely at it. From his close encounter with the statue, was born the idea for a play called Bust.
And this weekend for the first time you will get a chance to witness the translation of that thought on stage presented by the Actors Ensemble India Forum. Kamatham, who is known for plays like Dancing on Glass and Creeper, has always used Namma Bengaluru as the backdrop and it is no surprise that his latest venture is also based on our city.
"When I came across the statue, I wondered who had made this bust. What if I could build a story around it? I wanted to find the true identity of Bangalore through this play," says Kamatham, the director of the play.
u00a0Kamatham, who for the play did extensive research on the history of Bangalore for more than a year, says, "After staying for many years in a city, you tend to forget the spirit of the city and miss out on many interesting facets of your own city. This is not an instructive play but it tells you small trivia and fun anecdotes about your very own town."
The play begins when three adventurous and fun loving women in Bangalore meet and decide to delve into the city's history in search of an ancient relic buried beneath a thousand-year-old temple. Steeped in local legends and myths, the statue is fiercely guarded by a super natural spirit.
To fulfill the quest, these women need sheer determination, guts and zeal. The story, which brings forward the clash between the cosmopolitan culture and the tradition of the city, tells a nostalgic tale sprinkled with humour.
"There are so many differences in the city. With this play I have tried to break the insider and outsider barrier, as Bangalore is home for all who stay here. The demarcation is artificial as all of usu00a0 in some way or the other have migrated here,"says Kamatham.
Humorous, engaging and sharp, the narrative promises to keep old and young Bangaloreans hooked as it has something for each of them to take back.
Kamatham uses wit to show the changing face of Bangalore and its lost treasures. Focusing on minute aspects, the play de-familiarises you from the city yet pulls you towards it.
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So if you have been staying in this city for years and yet want to feel it afresh then Bust is here to take you on a ride to rediscover your city.
At Range Shan Kara, JP Nagger
On June 26, 7.30 pm and
June 27, 3.30 pm and 7.30 pm
Call 98863 70614
Ticket Price Rs 150
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