Maarikadu

At the centre of the production is the idea that human actions are often shaped not only by individual ambition, but also by the influences and forces that surround us. A desire begins as a thought, grows into ambition and eventually influences decisions and actions. Through this journey, Maarikaadu explores the consequences that emerge when desires begin to take control of human life.

Kambara’s adaptation takes inspiration from Shakespeare’s Macbeth and places it within a distinctive dramatic and cultural landscape. The production enters a mysterious world where ambition, power and manipulation move alongside one another, while the presence of the Maaris adds another dimension to the journey of the characters. Through this theatrical world, the production explores how external influences can shape human desires and lead individuals towards decisions whose consequences they may not fully foresee.

The Kalabhi Theatre production was designed and directed by Rohith S. Baikadi. Conceived as an intimate theatre experience, the production brought the audience into close proximity with the performers and the world of the play. This approach allowed the psychological conflicts, dramatic tension and visual atmosphere of the production to unfold in a direct and immediate manner.

The production brought together an ensemble of artists including Bhargavi Nayak, Charitha Sharada, Deepak Kumar Kinnimulki, Dhanush Kamath, Greeshma, Prajwal, Skanda Navada, Udith U.V. and Ujwal U.V. The production was supported by a creative team working across costume, music and lighting, contributing to the development of its overall theatrical language.

Maarikaadu began its performance journey in Kannada at Kalagrama, Mangaluru. The Kannada presentations received an encouraging response, with two houseful shows, marking a strong beginning for the production and its journey with audiences.

An important milestone in the journey of the production was its movement into another linguistic space. Following its Kannada presentations, the production was presented in Tulu as Maarikaad. This became more than a simple change of language; it opened the production to a new cultural and linguistic context and allowed the work to connect more directly with audiences in coastal Karnataka.

The journey from Maarikaadu in Kannada to Maarikaad in Tulu reflects Kalabhi Theatre’s interest in allowing a theatrical work to travel across languages while retaining its central artistic spirit. Each language brings with it its own rhythm, cultural memory and relationship with the audience, giving the production another dimension in its performance journey.

Through its engagement with Shakespeare’s Macbeth and Chandrashekhara Kambara’s adaptation, Maarikaadu / Maarikaad becomes an exploration of the forest that exists within the human mind—a space where desires, ambitions, fears and external influences constantly interact.

More than offering fixed answers, the production invites the audience to reflect on the desires that shape their lives and the invisible forces that influence their choices. In this sense, Maarikaadu / Maarikaad continues its journey as a theatrical exploration of ambition, manipulation and the many hidden forests that exist within human beings.