Nataka Chaitra - 2024: Nigooda

ಆತ್ಮೀಯ ಕಲಾಪೋಷಕರಿಗೆ ನಾಟಕ ಚೈತ್ರದ ನಿರ್ಮಾಣಕ್ಕೆ ಆದರದ ಸ್ವಾಗತ. ನಮ್ಮ ಈ ಪ್ರಯೋಗ ನಿಮ್ಮ ಮನ ಮುಟ್ಟಿದ್ದಲ್ಲಿ ನಮ್ಮ ಪರಿಶ್ರಮ ಸಾರ್ಥಕವಾದಂತೆ. ನಮ್ಮ ಎಲ್ಲಾ ನಿರ್ಮಾಣಗಳಿಗೆ ನಿರಂತರವಾಗಿ ಪ್ರೋತ್ಸಾಹಿಸಿ, ಪೋಷಿಸುತ್ತಿರುವ ನಿಮ್ಮೆಲ್ಲರಿಗೂ ನಾಟಕ ಚೈತ್ರ ಚಿರಋಣಿ.

ಸುವರ್ಣಕಟ್ಟೆ ಸಹ್ಯಾದ್ರಿ ತಪ್ಪಲಿನ ಒಂದು ಊರು. ಈ ಊರಿನ ಸ್ವಲ್ಪ ದೂರದಲ್ಲಿ ಕುಮಾರ ಪರ್ವತ ಅನ್ನೊ ಬೆಟ್ಟ. ಆ ಬೆಟ್ಟದ ಬುಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಒಂದು ಅತಿಥಿಗೃಹ. ಗಂಗಮ್ಮ, ಅವಳ ಮಗ ಮತ್ತು ಸೊಸೆ ಸೇರಿ ನಡೆಸುತ್ತಿರುವ ಈ ಅತಿಥಿಗೃಹದ ಸುತ್ತಮುತ್ತ ಬೇರೆ ಯಾವ ಮನೆಯೂ ಇಲ್ಲ. ಇದನ್ನು ಹತ್ತಿರದ ಊರಿಗೆ ಸೇರಿಸೋದು ಒಂದು ಸಣ್ಣ, ಶಿಥಿಲ ಸೇತುವೆ ಮಾತ್ರ. ಪಕ್ಕದಲ್ಲಿ ತುಂಬಿ ಹರಿಯುತ್ತಿರುವ ಹೊಳೆ. “ಧೋ” ಎಂದು ಸುರಿಯುತ್ತಿರುವ ಮಲೆನಾಡಿನ ಮಳೆ. ಇಂಥ ಮಳೆಗಾಲದ ಸಮಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಕೆಲವು ಕುತೂಹಲಕಾರಿ ವ್ಯಕ್ತಿಗಳು ಅತಿಥಿಗಳಾಗಿ ಈ ಮನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಉಳಿದುಕೊಂಡಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಈ ಸಮಯದಲ್ಲೇ ಸುವರ್ಣಕಟ್ಟೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ನಡೆಯುವ ಕೊಲೆಗೂ ಮತ್ತು ಮುಂದೆ ಈ ಅತಿಥಿಗೃಹದಲ್ಲಿ ನಡೆಯುವ ಘಟನೆಗಳಿಗೂ, ಅಲ್ಲಿರುವ ಕುತೂಹಲಕಾರಿ ವ್ಯಕ್ತಿಗಳಿಗಿರುವ ಸಂಬಂಧ…ಏನು? ಈ ಘಟನೆಗಳ ಹಿಂದಿರುವ ಆ ನಿಗೂಢ ವ್ಯಕ್ತಿ ಯಾರು…?

Suvarna Katte is a small village hidden at the base of Sahyadri mountain range. A homestay is located a few miles from Suvarna Katte at the base of Kumara Parvatha mountain. The only access to this house from the village is a fragile hanging bridge. Gangamma, manages this homestay with her son and daughter-in-law. It is monsoon season! The relentless Malnad rains have caused the nearby river to overflow. A few interesting characters are staying in the guest house. At this time, a murder takes place at Suvarna Katte followed by a series of mysterious events! Are the people in the house anyway connected to these events? What’s the mystery behind all this?

Written By : Rajendra Karanth

Directed By : Ashok Kumar S

Day of the event information for Nataka Chaitra’s Play NigooDa

Team Nataka Chaitra is all set to enthrall you with Kannada theater experience and making your afternoon/ evening a memorable one! Please give yourselves ample time to park and enter the theater on-time.

Arrival

Venue: HUSD Performing Arts Center, 2390 Panama St, Hayward, CA 94545

Parking: Free parking is available at the venue.

Lobby: Volunteers will be on hand to welcome and guide you.

PLEASE READ: Check-in and Select your Seats!

First come, first serve basis you can occupy the seats based on your ticket category.

Check-in starts at:

12:30 PM on Saturday, September 28th, 2024 for the 1:00 pm show
5:30 PM on Saturday, September 28th, 2024 for the 6:00 pm show
2:30 PM on Sunday, September 29th, 2024 for the 3:00 pm show

Please note

Arriving early is the key to getting the seats of your choice!
At the theater QR codes on the tickets will be scanned for your entry into the theater. Please carry printed tickets or have them handy on your phone.
Once your tickets are scanned, you can proceed to the auditorium and pick your seats.
No reserving seats - only people with scanned tickets can pick the seats.

Seating

Play starts at 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm on Sep 28th and at 3:00 pm on Sep 29th sharp. Please make sure you are seated before the show begins.

House rules

No flash photography
Videography is strictly prohibited
Cell phones should either be switched off or kept in silent mode at all times
Refrain from conversation and movement within the theater while the show is in progress
Food and drink are strictly not permitted inside the auditorium

Refreshments

Tea and snacks will be available after the break. All transactions will be cash only.

Tea: $1
Bottled water: $1
Samosa: $3

We look forward to you having an enjoyable and entertaining time with Nataka Chaitra!

rajendra karanth

Playwright

Rajendra Karanth is a popular playwright, drama director and movie script writer and actor in the Kannada theater and film industry. He has written 63 plays with some of them being performed 100s of shows all over the world. Some of his popular plays include Gangavatarana about the life and works of Da Ra Bendre, Mysoru Mallige on K.S. Narasimhaswami, Mahapeede Mahaablu a comedy, Namma Nimmologobba a suspense thriller, Sanje Haadu a serious social play, just to name a few. Nataka Chaitra is fortunate to have performed a number of his plays in the last 14 years of our theater journey and hosted him to direct and act in Gangavatarana.

Ashok Kumar

Direction

Ashok Kumar S, one of the trustees of OSAAT India, is a multi-talented artist in the field of music and theater. Co-founder of RAAGA, a popular Kannada band of Bay Area, California and founder of KATTE, the Kannada Theater group in Bayarea California of Nigooda, Udbhava, Hudukata, fame. Has directed & staged multiple fund raising music & theatre productions both in USA & India.

He, an Engineer from IIT Madras, had been part of IT industry for a long time by profession. Was a global head of R&D at Amadeus covering Hotel Distribution business, while being part of the India Leadership Team of Amadeus. Currently pursuing his passion as an Agriculturist in India.

showtimes

SATURDAY, SEP 28th 2024

Date: September 28th, 2024Time: Two shows at 1:00 PM and 6:00 PMSeating Starts 30 minutes before the showLocation: HUSD Performing Arts Center, 2390 Panama St, Hayward, CA 94545

SUNDAY, SEP 29th 2024

Date: September 29th, 2024Time: One show at 3:00 PMSeating Starts 30 minutes before the showLocation: HUSD Performing Arts Center, 2390 Panama St, Hayward, CA 94545

Nataka Chaitra has pledged its net proceeds from the shows to KKNC.

CAST

ALAMELU IYENGAR (Gangammajji)

Alamelu Iyengar is a distinguished actor, director, and playwright known for her exceptional contributions to the arts. She has been a playwright of more than 20 plays and showcased them through-out the US. She has skillfully adapted the works of her father, the celebrated Kannada poet Sri Pu.Ti.Na, into captivating musicals. Her productions, including "Gokula Nirgamana," "Sri Rama Pattabhisheka," and "Deepa Lakshmi," have been met with critical acclaim and performed to packed houses. Alamelu's dedication to preserving and promoting literature through the medium of theater has made her a prominent figure in the cultural landscape of the Bay Area. Her work continues to inspire and entertain audiences, showcasing the rich heritage of Kannada literature.

ASHOK KUMAR (Kalinga Holla)

Ashok Kumar, one of the trustees of OSAAT India, is a multi-talented artist in the field of music and theater. Co-founder of RAAGA, a popular Kannada band of Bay Area, California and founder of KATTE, the Kannada Theater group in Bayarea California of Nigooda, Udbhava, Hudukata, fame. Has directed & staged multiple fund raising music & theatre productions both in USA & India. He is an Engineer from IIT Madras and was a global head of R&D at Amadeus while being part of its India Leadership Team. He is currently pursuing his passion as an Agriculturist in India.

CHANDAN RAO (Harsha)

Chandan is a passionate theater enthusiast who is excited to join Nataka Chaitra for the first time. Last year, he captivated audiences in the Bay Area with his portrayals of Bharata and Lakshmana. During his college years, Chandan immersed himself in the world of theater, participating both on stage and behind the scenes. Alongside his love for theater, he is also a photography enthusiast who loves traveling and exploring, and an avid cinema lover. Professionally, Chandan works as a semiconductor engineer in an EDA company.

GOURAV SHET (Kiran)

It was the comedy play titled “Mooru Mutthu” which Gourav watched in his 6th grade that attracted him towards this art form. Gourav has been part of multiple plays in the Bay Area and this play will be his third production under the Nataka Chaitra banner. Over the years the constant desire to grow as an artist has kept him hooked to theater. He is an Engineer at a semiconductor company but most people would recognize him as a dancer!

RAGHU HALURU (Babanna)

Highly passionate about Indian culture and performing arts, Raghu was naturally inclined to theater right from childhood. Honing his acting skills with various drama troupes in his hometown of Chikmagalur, Raghu loved traveling to different places performing stage plays. Portraying a wide variety of characters, Raghu progressed into direction and script-writing as well. Raghu has held leadership positions in many social organizations such as KKNC, AKKA, SSCF etc. and has been a radio show host, and an anchor in many prestigious events. He is an Agile transformation leader by profession.

RUDRAKSHI (Patrakaara Murali)

Meet Somashekhar Rudrakshi, a multifaceted individual with a passion for the arts and technology. By day, he excels as a Software Engineer at Apple, and by night, he transforms into an Art of Living teacher, guiding others towards inner peace. His love for theater and performing arts shines through his hobbies, which include writing poetry, stand up comedy, writing, singing, and directing plays. Rudrakshi is also an accomplished author, having penned the book “Mobility Management in Cellular and IP Networks.” His diverse talents and interests make him a truly inspiring and dynamic personality.

SANDEEP BELLIYAPPA (Maada)

Sandeep Belliyappa is a versatile professional known for his contributions in various fields. He is a co-founding director of SOLID, a theater group from Bay Area where he plays a significant role in bringing engaging theatrical productions to life. Additionally, Sandeep has shown his compassionate side by organizing fundraisers to support those in need. His diverse skill set and dedication to both the arts and community service make him a respected figure. Whether through his work in drama or his philanthropic efforts, Sandeep continues to make a positive impact on those around him.

SHARMILA VIDYADHARA (Bhagirathi)

Sharmila Vidyadhara is the founder and president of Nataka Chaitra. She has a rich experience of acting and directing several plays in the US and India. She is a multi-faceted actor who has acted in plays of all kinds of genres and different kinds of roles. Sharmila has deep interest in sports and theater and she has represented India in Basketball. Sharmila led the 50th year celebrations of KKNC. By profession, she is a professional in semiconductor electronics engineering sales.

VARUN IYENGAR (Mandanna)

Varun's acting journey began at National College Basavanagudi, where he developed a passion for exploring acting. He participated in numerous drama competitions and worked with esteemed directors and artists. In the Bay Area, he joined Nataka Chaitra and other theater groups, performing in productions like “Kola,” “Jasma Odan,” “Chitrapata,” and “Preethiyalli ero lekka gotte iralilla.” In India, he has performed at Rangashankara and Ravindrakala Kshetra. Outside of acting, he enjoys cricket, basketball and carrom. He is a software engineer by profession.

Sound and music

Natraj Gujran

Title song - Lyrics, Music composition and singer

Ashok upadhya

Audio

Samarth bhushan

Keyboard

Sneha prasad

Sound effects

lighting

vikram holla

Lighting

stage management

monika venkateshmurthy

Stage Manager

Monika has been a longtime Bay Area resident, currently living in San Jose with her husband, Kim Vellore. An engineer by profession, she has been an active volunteer for various non-profit organizations and continues to dedicate her time to community service. In her free time, Monika enjoys dancing, hiking, and traveling.

Crew

Set and props design and construction

Monika Venkateshmurthy (Lead)
Sreevatsa Duglapura (Set Design)
Kim Vellore (Set Architect)
Vikram Holla
Harsha Sastry
Prema Anand
Sneha Chilakwad
Samarth Bhushan
Poornima Ramaprasad
Savitha Hoskote
Ramya Ramamurthy
Pooja Varuni
Divya Madhyasta
Jyoti Salagame
Savitha Harish
Sneha Prasad
Swaroop Raghunatha
Lalitha Padubidri
Kunju Sridhar
Ashok Upadhya

Lobby

Sandhya Jagadeesh (Lead)
Kunju Sridhar (Lead)
Jagadeesh Kyathasandra
Sridhar Venkatanarayana
Vidyadhara Gubbi
Suma Shivaprasad
Shiva Prasad
Puja Gubbi
Sinchana Holla
Samhita Holla
Dinesh Keni
Sunitha Dinesh
Varsha Dinesh

Photography

Ravi Shekar
Mahesh Shivashankar
Nikhil Chandrashekhar
G.P. Jayanth

Videography

Ravi Krishnappa
Ashok Upadhya
Yogish Subbaiah

Food

Poornima Ramprasad (Lead)
Somashekhar Gowda

Hospitality

Alamelu Iyengar
Narayana Iyengar

Printing

Anand Ramamurthy

Production

Sharmila vidyadhara

Sharmila Vidyadhara is the founder and president of Nataka Chaitra. She has a rich experience of acting and directing several plays in the US and India. She is a multi-faceted actor who has acted in plays of all kinds of genres and different kinds of roles. Sharmila has deep interest in sports, cinema and theater and she has represented India in Basketball. By profession, she is a veteran of semiconductor electronics engineering sales.

Vikram Holla

Vikram Holla is one of the core team members of Nataka Chaitra. His interest in theater lighting has added color to Nataka Chaitra’s productions. Apart from occasional acting, he is also interested in Kannada literature, culture and history, writing articles, and poems. He loves hiking and spending time in nature and mountains. Software product development is his profession.

Samarth bhushan

Samarth is an Engineer by profession. He is passionate about Painting, Literature, Music and Photography. He made the wonderful set for Nataka Chaitra's Wade Trilogy. The journey continued with Jasma Odan and the virtual play ‘Lockdown’. He considers Nataka Chaitra as a school of learning discipline, values along with acting. In his free time, he enjoys teaching Kannada to kids, playing the flute, reading books and cooking for his friends!

Grand sponsor

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