Theatre Review: The tales a Sampige tree can tell

Simhachalam Sampige
Director: Shankar Ganesh
Cast: Vadiraja Bhoja, Chandu, Anirudh Vedanthi, Viveka M, Soumya Gangatkar, Vijay Kulkarni, Abhilash, Prateeksha Sreenath, Sumith Bekal, Marutesh and Gouri Kulkarni
Genre: Period Comedy Drama
Duration: 110 mins
Rating: ***½

Plot: Yuvashree’s Simhachalam Sampige is a theatrical performance of short stories from Mithunam, penned by Sriramana in Telugu, and translated into Kannada by Vasudhendra Chanda. The play follows four stories of different people with different aspirations. All through the play, what remains constant is the sampige tree — a silent observer of all that transpires, providing shade, protecting a treasure trove of dreams and looming over the transience of humanlife. The simple-yet-passionate dreams of a child, the complexities of adolescence, the financial decisions of adulthood and the experiences of old age — all of these culminate under this very tree, unfurling tales so different yet so familiar.

Review: Simhachalam Sampige is a nostalgic treat for

theatre

lovers. Set in a bygone era that is familiar, yet removed from the life city dwellers are accustomed to, the play is every bit charming and enthralling. The many pinwheels on different sets on stage, not just cater to the active imagination of the audience, but also add a certain element of fantasy to the realistic tales being told. Raghu Sirsi’s set design captures the essence of the past, providing the perfect background for stories to unfold. The shadow of trees, the luminescence of marbles and the windows of a railway station are few of the sequences that are beautifully conceptualised through Naveen MG’s lighting design. The actors easily slip into their roles that one forgets that it is a play being enacted and not actual life playing out. Vijay Kulkarni as Sampige ajji, Vadiraja Bhoja as the golisoda seller, Soumya Gangatkar as Dhanalakshmi, Sumith Bekal as Hari, and Gouri Kulkarni as Bucchi Lakshmi are some of the performances that stand out. Anirudh Vedanthi’s voice and demeanour make him an exceptional fit for Dasaru. Although the non-linear screenplay appears confusing in certain parts, the play, otherwise, is captivating, filled with humour and is an action-packed drama.

Final word: The play is a wonderful entertainer. The fact that the stories, despite having been written originally in Telugu, connect so well with the Kannada audience is proof enough that stories are in no way bound by languages and cultures. These tales also remind us of the support nature provides during humankind’s fleeting presence in this world.