ರೊಟ್ಟಿಯ ಸಲುವಾಗಿ ಇಷ್ಟೆಲ್ಲ? | All This for the Sake of Bread?

Kannada | 55 Minutes

Through their plays, the Heggodu-based theatre group `Janamanadaata` has brought new dimensions to the Kannada theatre scene, expanding the horizons of the audience`s perception and bringing a fresh perspective to the ideology and execution of stage productions. Their notable contribution includes the play `Rotti` and `Adhikarigalu Mattu  Kelasadava` by P. Lankesh, in their latest play `Rotti Saluvaagi Istella.` Directed by the Ganesh M, Heggodu, the Janamanadaata troupe is bringing their new play  to Bangalore. 

Rotti 

An old woman is traveling and she gets hungry. She opens a packet of Rotti (Indian bread) to eat at the railway station. At the same time, a hungry beggar sees her eating Rotti and snatches it from her and runs away. The old woman shouts, “Thief! Thief!” The police come running and start beating the thief with a stick on his head, causing him to bleed. The beggar who took the Rotti because of hunger is now punished in this way. The incident creates a situation where people turn against the old woman, accusing her of being cruel. She feels distressed and wonders what she should do to rectify the situation. It seems impossible.  

Officials and Laborers 

“I just want to sleep a little, sir,” he said. “Before that, you must get a good creeper plant and come back” they both said. With a strong creeper in hand, they tie up his hands and legs and bind him to a tree, saying, “Lazy old man, be warned of all your mistakes!” The bound labourer is distraught. The lives of the officials continue smoothly and happily while the labourer struggles to catch fish, pluck fruits, walk miles to bring salt and firewood, and cook. 

(This is a story written by P Lankesh, based on a 19th-century Russian story by M. W.  Saltikov-Shchedrin.)

Credits:

Original Source: P Lankesh

Director: M Ganesh

Original Poster Design: Dushyant Shantiniketan

Artwork: Gautam J