About The Paly : Shivaratri
Set in 12th-century Karnataka, Shivaratri unfolds during the transformative era of Basavanna, a revered poet, social reformer, and minister of Kalyan Nagar under the rule of Bijjal Maharaja, the second. Basavanna gave a new face to the bhakti movement by forging a direct spiritual connection with Lord Shiva without any mediation. He promoted the ideas of Ahimsa and equality while strongly rejecting the prevailing superstitions through his poetry, called Vachanas. It was he who first introduced the idea of parliamentary democracy through his Anubhava Mantapa, an egalitarian space where people from all caste, class and gender discussed and debated questions of life and faith.
The story centers on a daring inter caste marriage that challenges the rigid caste system and traditional norms of the time. This bold act throws society into turmoil, exposing deeply rooted biases and fears.
At its core, it is a fierce ideological clash between Bijjala Maharaja, the protector of tradition, and Basavanna, a visionary of equality.
Rooted in historical events, the play captures the vibrant folk culture of northern Karnataka. It also creatively incorporates various other southern folk forms. Shivaratri remains strikingly relevant, shedding light on contemporary struggles against caste discrimination, offering a powerful, thought-provoking theatrical experience.
About Director
Hailing from Hubballi, Karnataka, Smt. Veena Sharma Bhusnoormath is a distinguished theatre artist with over three decades of experience in acting, directing, and design. She completed her professional training in Design and Direction at the National School of Drama, New Delhi (1998-2001), after a year of foundational theatre training at Ninasam Ranga Shikshana Kendra, Heggodu, Karnataka (1996-97).
As a resource person, she has conducted theatre workshops across India and internationally, including in China and Japan, and has delivered guest lectures at prestigious institutions like Bharatendu Natya Academy, Himachal Research Forum, Neenasam, Rangayana, and Sriram Center, New Delhi. She has also played a pivotal role as coordinator for major theatre festivals, including the 8th Theatre Olympics, Bharat Ranga Mahotsav, and Classical Indian Theatre Festival.
Smt. Bhusnoormath has directed over 200 plays spanning diverse themes and genres. Her notable works include Bhude Ne Kaha, Lagi Chute Na, Mother Courage, Rasik Sampadak, Bela Mari Jaan, Kadidida Neeru, and Shivratri. Additionally, she has worked with celebrated directors like Anuradha Kapoor, Amal Alana, Ram Gopal Bajaj, Satyadev Dubey, Barry John, and Ratan Thiam, as well as international artists like Maria from Mexico and John Russell Brown.
As a performer, she has portrayed central characters in over 250 plays in multiple languages, including Kannada, Hindi, Bhojpuri, Marathi, and Bagheli. Her notable roles include Rudali, Pandita Rama Bai, Kadidida Neeru, and Good Woman of Setjuan. She has also performed in more than 1,600 shows across India, with over 1,000 performances dedicated to children’s theatre.
Her expertise extends to stagecraft, including lighting, props, and costume design. She has contributed to the cultural exchange between Kannada and Hindi theatre through her translations of plays such as E Kelginavaru, Bimbayana, and Shivratri.
Recognized for her immense contributions, she has received accolades like the Delhi Government Young Director Award, Nata Samrat (Best Actress) Award, and the Ministry of Culture Senior Fellowship Award. She has also been honored by Rangasree, Ranga Nakshatra, and Karnataka Rajyotsava.
Since September 1, 2021, she has been serving as the Centre Director of the National School of Drama, Bangalore Center.
Director Note
Discrimination, division and violence are prevalent in our society even today. They continue to affect us deeply. Basavanna, a common man, had the courage to stand up and question the caste and gender barriers set by the 12th century society. His teachings remind us of the power each of us have to challenge the injustices in society.
The play Shivratri becomes relevant to perform in this scenario. It reminds us of our shared history and the lessons we can learn from it. Documenting and understanding our past helps us create a better future.
In this play, I have crafted a moral debate between the side that wants progress and the side that strongly holds on to conservative ways. Through this, I hope we are inspired to think, question, and take action in our own lives. As theatre artists, our aim is to carry Basavanna’s legacy forward and work towards a more equal and compassionate world.
About The playwright
Chandrasekhar Kambar, born in 1937 in Ghodgeri, Karnataka, is a celebrated Kannada writer known for blending folk and myth in his works. A recipient of the Jnanpith Award (2010) and Padmashree (2001), Kambar has written 25 plays, including Jokumaraswami, Siri Sampige, Shivratri and Mahamayi, along with 11 poetry collections and 6 novels like Karimayi and Shikharasoorya. His critical works focus on folk theatre and literature. Kambar has also made five films, composed their music, and served as Vice Chancellor of Kannada University (Hampi) and Chairman of NSD (New Delhi).
About the Group: National School of Drama Bengaluru Centre
One of the pillars of NSD New Delhi is the National School of Drama Bengaluru Center. A comprehensive 'One year Intensive Course in Acting' is available. Eight batches have graduated from the school thus far, and the ninth batch is now in progress. Through the extraction of acting techniques from the finest traditional and folk performance forms in South India, the Bengaluru Center is developing the Indian style of acting in an effort to produce actors who are full and versatile.
Click here to view the Shivaratri play performance broucher at NSD New Delhi
