Girish Karnad’s Tughlaq receives good response in Shivamogga
A recent staging of Girish Karnad’s play 'Tughlaq' in Shivamogga drew a large audience and positive reception. The production highlighted the play's enduring relevance regarding themes of power and political disillusionment.
Why it matters
Girish Karnad is a seminal figure in Indian literature, and the continued popularity of his work reflects its cultural significance.
Girish Karnad’s seminal play Tughlaq , staged by the Sahyadri Ranga Tarang team in Shivamogga on Monday (October 5), drew a strong response from theatre lovers and reaffirmed the work’s enduring relevance.
Written in 1964 and set during the turbulent reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq, the production succeeded in speaking powerfully to present-day anxieties, drawing more than 500 spectators to Kuvempu Ranga Mandira.
The performance unfolded against an imposing fortress-like set that effectively evoked the historical period while lending visual grandeur to the stage. The simple yet striking design was widely appreciated for creating the right ambience without unnecessary embellishment. Lead performances stood out: H.S. Nagabhushan as Tughlaq, Poornima as the stepmother, N.K. Halesh as Barani, and N.K. Chidananda as Azeem delivered compelling portrayals that frequently drew spontaneous applause.
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