Surabhi Drama Company: A Legacy of Family, Tradition, and Theatrical Magic - Andhra Famous Arts Culture

Surabhi Drama Company isn't just a theatre group; it's a living, breathing testament to the power of family, tradition, and the enduring magic of storytelling. For over 140 years, this unique theatre company has captivated audiences with their vibrant performances, elaborate sets, and captivating narratives drawn from Hindu mythology and folklore. This blog post delves into the rich history and fascinating story of Surabhi Drama Company.

A Humble Beginning: From Puppets to the Stage

• Origins in Puppetry: The story of Surabhi begins in 1885 in the village of Surabhi, in the Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh. It was here that two brothers, Vanarasa Govinda Rao and Vanarasa Chinna Ramaiah, transformed their family's traditional shadow puppetry (Tholu Bommalata) into theatrical performances.
• The Birth of Surabhi: Inspired by the epics and Puranas, they created "Keechaka Vadha," their first stage production. The play's success led them to transition from puppetry to full-fledged drama, marking the birth of Surabhi Drama Company. The name "Surabhi" itself comes from the village where their theatrical journey began.

A Family Affair: Generations of Dedication

• A Unique Family Theatre: What sets Surabhi apart is that it's a completely family-run enterprise. Every aspect of the theatre, from acting and singing to set design, costume making, and even electrical work, is handled by members of the Surabhi family.
• Passing Down the Tradition: The art and skills of theatre are passed down through generations, with children learning the craft from their elders. This dedication to tradition ensures the continuity of Surabhi's unique style and artistic heritage.
• Women on Stage: Surabhi was a pioneer in introducing women to the stage at a time when it was socially restricted. This progressive step not only enriched their performances but also empowered women within the family.

The Magic of Performance: Padya Natakam and Visual Spectacle

• Padya Natakam: Surabhi specializes in "Padya Natakam," a classical form of Telugu verse play. These performances are characterized by their elaborate costumes, melodious music, and captivating storytelling.
• Visual Extravaganza: Surabhi's productions are renowned for their visual spectacle. They create mesmerizing illusions and trick scenes on stage, transporting the audience to a world of gods, demons, and mythical creatures.
• Mythology and Folklore: The plays draw heavily from Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as popular folk tales. These stories, rich in drama, emotion, and moral lessons, resonate with audiences of all ages.

Life on the Road: A Nomadic Theatre

• Traveling Troupes: Surabhi operates as a nomadic theatre, traveling from place to place and setting up temporary stages wherever they go. This allows them to bring their unique form of theatre to diverse communities.
• A Self-Sufficient World: The Surabhi family lives and travels together, creating a self-sufficient world within their theatre troupe. They have their own workshops for set construction, costume design, and prop making.

Recognition and Achievements: Preserving a Legacy

• National and International Acclaim: Surabhi has received widespread recognition for its contribution to Indian theatre. They have performed at prestigious national and international theatre festivals, showcasing their talent to a global audience.
• Padma Shri Award: In 2013, Surabhi's own R. Nageswara Rao (Babji) was awarded the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian honors, for his dedication to preserving and promoting traditional theatre.
• Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar: Surabhi Jayachandra Varma, the current director and a grandson of Babji, received the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar in 2016 from the Sangeet Natak Akademi, further highlighting the company's importance in the world of performing arts.

The Future of Surabhi: Adapting and Thriving

• Challenges and Adaptations: Like any traditional art form, Surabhi faces challenges in maintaining its relevance in the modern world. However, they have shown a willingness to adapt and innovate while staying true to their roots.
• Workshops and Outreach: Surabhi conducts workshops and outreach programs to engage with younger audiences and promote their unique style of theatre.
• A Continuing Legacy: With their unwavering dedication, artistic excellence, and the strong bond of family, Surabhi Drama Company is poised to continue its legacy for generations to come, enchanting audiences with the magic of theatre.

Conclusion

Surabhi Drama Company stands as a timeless pillar of India's theatrical heritage, blending tradition with artistic excellence. For over a century, this legendary troupe has captivated audiences with its grand mythological and historical plays, mesmerizing stagecraft, and dedication to preserving Telugu theater. Despite evolving entertainment trends, Surabhi continues to thrive, upholding its unique legacy with passion and perseverance. It remains not just a theater group but a cultural treasure, inspiring future generations to appreciate and embrace the magic of live drama.

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