The play narrates the story of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It recreates 17th century scenes. It has won hearts of people across the state and country. It has been staged by 144 students from Shishuvan School, Matunga.
In Dragon Raja, players can explore a massive open world, customize their character and class, build houses, socialize and experience exciting battles!
The Story
The play highlights the inequalities between the rich and poor, and asks the audience if the current system of governance can address these issues. It also raises questions about the nature of power and how it can be used to achieve one’s aims.
The characters in RAJA PLAY are powerful and well-developed. They have a depth of character that makes them both timeless and contemporary. The plot is complex, but the characterizations make it easy for the audience to follow.
The drama draws on performance traditions such as abhanga and gondhal. It also draws on philosophical traditions such as Bhakti. Jijabai’s prayer to Shivaji is an example of this. It is also reminiscent of the ritualistic performances of bhajans and shahir-powada that are common in Maharashtra. These elements give a unique flavour to the play.
The Music
Rhythmic percussion is a key Escapenailsrichmond.com feature of this album. British born bass-guitar virtuoso Shez Raja joins forces with Indian musicians for this album. He brings with him a strong musical background that includes study at Leeds College of Music and collaborations with musicians such as guitarist Wayne Krantz and percussionist Trilok Gurtu.
Ilayaraja is a unique musician, placing his music in the physical and within processes, but also pulling it away from boundaries that are tangible. He has a gift for understanding how to create drama in his music and this is demonstrated in the song'sangeetha jadhi mullai', where he uses a complex pattern of passing melodies that are constantly changing.
This is a tough climax song and it calls for both classical skills and high energy singing. Both SPB and Janaki deliver. The song has a delicate quality that evokes the beauty of dawn and a world covered by mists and dew on leaves.
The Actors
RAJA PLAY will feature over 150 professional and amateur actors. It will feature Koli music, native to the fisherfolk of Maharashtra, that was played to welcome Shivaji Maharaj.
The play depicts the saga of Rana Mahednra Pratap Garewal (Mukesh Khanna) and his brother Vishwa. They both are good friends with Brijnath’s younger sister Madhu. She falls in love with Raja. The brothers try to keep Madhu away from Raja as they believe that he is mentally unstable because of an accident he had faced in the past.
Tagore discussed the true meaning of ‘swadeshi’ and rural self-empowerment in his plays. He also introduced several socialistic programmes in his estates braving numerous oppositions. This is reflected in his play RAJA. It is a unique and complex combination of the writer’s philosophical and political ideologies. The drama is highly intellectual and at the same time enthralling. The play will bring out the importance of being strong and courageous in life.
The Venue
Raja is a drag performer with a flair for style and experimentation. She is deeply influenced by all pop global sub-multi-culture and prides herself on her ability to constantly evolve as an artist and entertainer. She has been a mainstay on the Southern California drag circuit for over 30 years and has also performed internationally.
She is a highly-sought-after educator and has presented her work at colleges, universities and independent intimacy programs. She has also been a cultural consultant on Tectonic Theatre Project's production of The Seven Deadly Sins, and is a member of the teaching staff at the Richmond Triangle Players, where she is an adjunct professor of movement and devising.
RAJA PLAY is a theatrical adaptation of the classic Bengali play of the same name by Tagore. It was first produced in 1911. The play was a favourite of Tagore, and was staged many times in his lifetime. The play depicts the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.