The 10th State-level theatre festival conducted by Abhinaya Arts, Tirupati, came to a grand close on Sunday. The four-day event was conducted in association with Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, Potti Sriramulu Telugu University and the Department of Culture. The association presents ‘Hanuma Awards' every year for best performance on the lines of the state Government's Nandi awards.
Daksha Pratigna by Ushodaya Natyamandali (Cherukupalli, Guntur), Bhakta Pundarika by Sri Balasaraswati Kala Natyamandali (Rangareddy), Sri Krishna Tulabharam by Arunodaya Arts (Kadapa), Vasantasena by Miryalaguda Sanskrutika Kalakendram (Miryalaguda, Nalgonda), Srirama Sugreeva Mythri by Sri Saiprasanna Natyamandali (Ongole) and Sriraghava Mahaprasthanam by Sri Sai Srinivasa cultural association (Visakhapatnam) were among the poetic plays performed during the festival. Though the plays based on mythological episodes ran for 75 minutes each, they kept the audience gripped with their good narration.
Similarly, Ammo Visappurugu by Sri Kalaniketan (Hyderabad), Bahuroopi by Sadguru Kalanilayam (Guntur), Vedam by Sri Jaya Arts (Prakasam), Sultani by Samskruti Natya Kalapeetham (Miryalaguda), Kala Dharmam by Kalavani Ubhaya Godavarulu (Rajahmundry), Atmavat Sarvabhuthani by Supraja Arts (Hyderabad), Evaro Vastharani by Ushodaya Kalaniketan (Hyderabad), Vaaradhi by Matrusri Kalaniketan (Vizag) and Suraksha by Ramakrishna Arts (Eluru, West Godavari) were the social plays that mirrored the degeneration of values in the present societal setup.
Musuru , a special playlet by children of Acharya Vinoba Bhave Sanskrutika Mandali (Kukatpally, Hyderabad) stood out as a special attraction, while the folk and classical dance competitions conducted for juniors were appreciated by all. Srikrishna Tulabharam and Evaro Vastharani won the ‘Hanuma Awards' for the year in the poetic and social play categories respectively.
