KARNATAKA VAIBHAVA

Karnataka’s rich heritage is represented in this beautiful dance & music representation by the Kannada families of greater Saint Louis area from Missouri State.  Guru Prasanna Kasthuri will be directing this production with the help of his invited musicians from Karnataka. This production is a 90 minute production, but streamlined to 45 minutes to fit a conference such as AKKA. This production includes 35 artists who can dance, sing and act.

The synopsis

The performance begins with establishment of Kadamba dynasty by King Mayura Sharma by defeating  Pallava kings, which is followed by victory of Immadi Pulikeshi on Harshavardhana; followed by the Justice of Nrupathunga, who gave up his son to uphold Dharma; followed by Shantala’s creation of Hoysala temples; followed by creation of Vijayanagara; followed by Grandeaur of Vijayanagara Empire; Creation of Bangalore by Kempegowda;  followed by Kittur Rani Chennamma’s valor; followed by Tipu Sultan’s fight with British; Nalvadi Krishnadevaraya Wodeyar & his patronage to musicians such as Veena Seshanna; Bidaram Krishnappa and others; Creation of Karnataka State – 1956; followed by settling of Kannada families abroad such as USA.

Total Number of Artists: 35

Musicians: Seema Kasthuri (Vocal); Prasanna Kasthuri (Vocal- Special Invitee from Karnataka); Pulikeshi Kasthuri (Rhythm Board & Vocals- Special Invitee from Karnataka); Ramesh Ramalingappa (Mrudangam, Ghatam, Morching- Special Invitee from Karnataka); Hemanth Kumar Bangalore (Violin, Keyboards - Special Invitee from Karnataka); Jayaprakash (Flute, Special Effects - Special Invitee from Karnataka);  Shalini Subbarao ( Violin and Keyboard); Annuja Matti (Flute  and Drums - Special Invitee from Karnataka);

Theater Lighting: Dr. Ashok Mallya

Stage Setup: Prabhakar Gowda & Rakesh Gowda

Script & Dialigues: Nagendra Nanjanagud

Direction: Guru Prasanna Kasthuri

Supported & Coordinated by Sangama – Kannada Association and Soorya Performing Arts (A not-for profit organization devoted to Indian Classical Dance, Music and Theater)

Duration of Production: 45 Minutes