Kaakana Kote | 2009 | Rangasourabha

Kakana Kote is a master piece of Masti Venkatesh Iyengar. It has its own accord in worlds of Theatre and literature. The forest in and around the area Heggadadevana Kote of Mysore District is called Kakana Kote. The story of the play revolves around the man kaka (Kacha) and the tribe kurubas. At the time of the play, the tribe was at large and had a rich ethical culture. During the reign of Ranadhira Kanteerava king of Mysore, dispute arose between the tribe and the local administrator Heggade. The dispute was due to excess levy of tax. This was solved by Kaka who the king well.

This play is written in early 20th century. Yet this play becomes relevant even today. The growing problem of globalization reflects through the play. Heggade tries to destroy the tribal culture and evacuate them from the forest. Today, the giant MNC’s have become Heggade and we the tribe. The play attains new light when the nature is at the verge of destruction and the new generation becoming culture less.