Kannada Musical Dance Drama Cinderella Continues Historic Run In Bengaluru
The historic Kannada musical dance drama "Cinderella" has returned to the stage in Bengaluru, continuing its legacy as the longest-running musical dance drama in Kannada theatre. Directed by Harish Prabhath, the production has been performed more than 1,000 times since its original premiere in 1978, bringing the classic Western fairy tale to life with a distinct Indian adaptation.
For nearly five decades, the production has continued to captivate audiences across multiple generations by blending fantasy, music, dance, and theatrical spectacle. The adaptation was originally developed by the late theatre veteran TV Gopinathdas, who was Prabhath's grandfather. Gopinathdas sought to make the Western story more relatable to local audiences by incorporating distinctly Indian elements and original characters.
Among the unique characters introduced in this adaptation are Mantravadi, a magician, and Kodangi, a fairy godmother. The production also features Drishti Devi and Shabda Devi, imaginative characters who can see and hear events happening elsewhere, symbolising modern visual and audio media. Prabhath shared that his grandfather believed that if there is something good in the world, it should be embraced regardless of its origin, which inspired the decision to adapt the story.
According to Prabhath, the enduring appeal of the show lies in its focus on humanity rather than just fairy-tale magic. He noted that despite the ill-treatment Cinderella faces from her stepmother and stepsisters, she ultimately chooses forgiveness, creating an emotional core that connects deeply with audiences.
Prabhath also emphasized the unique value of live theatre in an era dominated by constant online presence and doomscrolling. He stated that while films allow for retakes when a scene does not work, live stage performances require every actor to be fully present from beginning to end. This immediacy, with characters performing just a few feet away, creates a strong emotional investment and connection that stays with the audience.
