Dallas artistes read play as tribute to legendary writer Chalam

Hyderabad: As a tribute to legendary writer Chalam, 6Elements Productions Theatre group, based in Dallas, USA, presented a powerful play 'Em Jabbu?' recently.

Chalam was a strong critic of the fundamental societal architecture of his time. In tune with his ideology, this play presented a bold theme of sexual oppression of woman, highlighting physical and psychological challenges faced by them. The theme is very relevant even today as the rules of the game are still unfairly tilted in favor of men in most cases.

The presentation was very unique, almost a first of its kind theatrical presentation using Zoom application to stream the play reading on to YouTube Live. Without being disheartened by the current Covid-19 situation, the team decided to go ahead with the presentation of the play on the death anniversary of the great writer. Not taken aback by the challenges, it successfully presented the play to global audience. The team included Srini Prabhala, who played the role of manipulative father-in-law and directed the play as well, Subbu Jonnalagadda, the father, Pavan Nattuva, the angry brother, Krishna Chennupati, the husband, Priyanka Gade, the oppressed wife, Sarada Jonnalagadda, the cruel mother-in-law, Sravan Sadu, the helpful doctor, and Rakesh, the postman. The play was well received and got rave reviews from many theatre stalwarts from India and US.

The play reading was followed by a discussion led by Basabathina, and the panel comprised film producer Hari Charan Prasad, Dayakar Mada, and Sreekumar Gomatham.They covered various aspects about writer Chalam's life and his journey as a writer till his retirement in Ramana Asharamam.

Lavanya Inguva, the co-director of 6Elements Productions, explained their plan to continue their productions on the new social media channel with their new English production 'Yayati,' as a tribute to the great writer Girish Karnad.