In the English adaptation of his 1980 Kannada play “Hittina Hunja,” Girish Karnad’s “Bali: The Sacrifice” intricately weaves themes of violence, belief, and morality into a powerful narrative. The play centers around a king caught between his devotion to his Jain queen, who stands firmly against harming any form of life, and his allegiance to his mother, who staunchly advocates for sacrificial rites. This drama not only examines the inherent conflicts in personal belief systems but also delves deeply into the complexities of love and duty.
A 90-minute theatrical journey, this English play explores the tumultuous terrain of clashing ideologies and the portrayal of violence in various forms. Directed by Arundhati Raja for her theatre company, Jagriti Theatre, in 2021, the play resonates deeply with contemporary audiences as a tribute to the celebrated playwright, Girish Karnad.
“The play draws from an ancient epic, which Karnad has masterfully transformed into a compelling script,” explains Arundhati Raja. “This is what attracted me to direct ‘Bali’ and two other Karnad plays, ‘The Dreams of Tipu Sultan’ and ‘Yayati.’ My approach has always been to bring out the underlying issues presented in his dialogues and plot without adhering strictly to traditional design and performance methods.”
Delving beyond the surface-level religious differences, Arundhati explores deeper societal and patriarchal conflicts that drive the characters’ actions. She notes that the tension between the king’s mother and the queen is not merely a religious disagreement but a profound conflict rooted in the patriarchal expectation of producing a male heir. This expectation, argues Arundhati, is a form of violence often overshadowed by its more physical counterparts.
A captivating visual from ‘Bali: The Sacrifice’| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
“The real question here is: What constitutes violence?” asks Arundhati. “Is it limited to physical abuse or bloodshed? Or does it extend to the constant pressure on a woman to bear an heir, or on a man to discard an infertile wife for another? And what about the scorn cast upon a lowly mahout, beloved for his voice but ridiculed for his appearance?”
Arundhati also pays tribute to the rich literary heritage that inspired the play. Girish Karnad acknowledged the origins of “Bali: The Sacrifice” in the thirteenth-century Kannada epic, Yashodhara Charite, as well as similar ancient stories from the first century. This historical depth emphasizes the timeless nature of the themes explored in the play—love, loss, power, and morality—which continue to resonate with audiences today.
“I make no special attempt to make the content relevant,” Arundhati asserts.
. “The timeless nature of the script speaks for itself. The adage ‘Theatre is a mirror to the audience’ is especially true for a play by Karnad.”
Directing “Bali: The Sacrifice” posed unique challenges for Arundhati, especially in the absence of Karnad, whose guidance was instrumental in her previous works, “The Dreams of Tipu Sultan” and “Yayati.” “He was always just a phone call away, ready to watch rehearsals and spend time with the cast,” she recalls. Despite this, the script’s allure enabled her to fully immerse herself in the world of “Bali.”
The play serves as a poignant reflection on the enduring presence of violence in human society. Despite the passage of centuries, people continue to grapple with the multifaceted nature of violence, perpetuated through power dynamics, societal expectations, and familial pressures. The play’s depiction of these struggles offers a resonant commentary on the human condition.
When asked about the contemporary relevance of a play devised two decades ago by Karnad, Arundhati remarks, “Time passes, but human beings remain the same. We continue to confront violence in its varied forms. Can we really do something about it? Shouldn’t we try harder? These are the questions that audiences should ponder. I believe a play’s role is not to preach but to provoke thought.”
“Bali: The Sacrifice” will be performed five times between August 30 and September 1 at Jagriti Theatre in Whitefield. The play is recommended for audiences aged 16 and above. Tickets are available on BookMyShow.
A captivating visual from ‘Bali: The Sacrifice’| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
A captivating visual from ‘Bali: The Sacrifice’| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
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