In the public memory, characters like ‘Gireesam’, ‘Madhuravani’ and ‘Ramappantulu’ in the ‘Kanyasulkam’ social play have an everlasting place.
As a fond remembrance of its past glory, various cultural and social organisations, walkers’ clubs and NGOs in Nellore city extended total support which helped in successful performance of the 8-hour-long full version of the ‘Kanyasulkam’ social play at the Sri Venkateswara Kasturba Kalakshetra here on Sunday. People from all walks of life, especially the elderly, arrived with families to watch the most popular play in its time and a sad commentary on the prevalence of the scandalous practice of giving ‘bride price’ by the groom’s family at the time of marriage. The performance of the play marked the 152nd birth anniversary celebrations of the celebrated author Gurajada Apparao, whose writings had a strong impact on social reforms at that time.
Several ardent followers of Gurajada formed the Kanyasulkam Nataka Organising Committee and mobilised wide support from the public to make it happen eventually with the help of the artistes of ‘Navayuga’ hailing from Vizianagaram.
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“For several months, were are planning this and many people has come forward to support it. We are overwhelmed with the support that has come in,” said Vemareddy Niranjan Reddy, president of the organising committee. District Collector N. Srikanth, MLC Vithapu Balasubrahmanyam and scores of dignitaries and the elite families arrived at the venue to watch the most talked-about celebrated play in Telugu literature. The organisers took the show as a matter of prestige as they consider ‘Kanyasulkam’ part of the Telugu heritage. Though the play was enacted 120 years of its first stage performance, there was the same kind of outpouring public support as was in the past decades. The play was directed by Kishore and nearly 45 artistes and 15 technicians took part in the latest stage show.