Shree Devi Mahatme

Rooted in the story of the divine feminine, Shree Devi Mahatme brings together the distinctive elements of Yakshagana storytelling, poetry, music, rhythm, dance, dialogue, elaborate costumes and expressive movement. Through these elements, the production creates a theatrical experience in which the narrative unfolds through the collective energy of performers and musicians.

Directed by Rakesh Rai Adka, with Vidyabhushan Panjaje as assistant director, the production was developed through the collective efforts of the Kalabhi Yakshagana Adhyayana Kendra. The process brought together artists from different backgrounds and age groups, including young performers and children, creating opportunities to learn, practise and perform within the traditional structure of Yakshagana.

Featuring an ensemble of more than 30 artists, the production was presented over approximately six hours. Sustaining a performance of this scale required physical endurance, concentration, musical coordination and a shared understanding of the art form. Each performer contributed to the larger theatrical experience, while the coordination between the cast and musicians helped maintain the rhythm and continuity of the narrative.

Music is integral to Yakshagana, shaping its dramatic atmosphere and guiding the movement of the story. Vocal expression, rhythm and instrumental accompaniment work in close relationship with the performers, creating the distinctive energy that defines the form. The production’s musical team played an essential role in bringing this performance to life.

Cast and Credits

Director: Rakesh Rai Adka
Assistant Director: Vidyabhushan Panjaje
Lighting Management: Rahul Shriyan

Artists

Shivan Agastya, Bhuvan Acharya, Ananya Charak, Bhuvan Manipal, Sandeep L. Shettigar, Sanjan Devadiga, Pranavi Rai, Dr. Mayuri Prabhakar Shetty, Anvita Rao, Ananthakrishna Bhat, Bhushan M. Shetty, Bhavith A., Jithu A. Devadiga, Nasik K. N., Deepak Kumar, Bhavana Vishnumurthy, Ujwal U.V., Sujith S. K., Udit U.V., Bhargavi Nayak, Shriya K. Mohanada, Santoshi, K. Dhanvit Kamath, Arohi Kamath G., Sahita, Mahik A. Kumar, Shavari Raghavan, Mayura A. Kumar, Anita A. V., Pranav Shetty, Sudarshan Raghavan, Hithasha and Aryan Shetty.

Building a Continuing Tradition

For Kalabhi Yakshagana Adhyayana Kendra, Shree Devi Mahatme is not simply a stage production; it is the first step in a continuing artistic journey. The intention is to develop a new Yakshagana production each year, giving artists opportunities to deepen their engagement with the form, work collectively and present new productions to audiences.

Through this initiative, Kalabhi seeks to nurture the next generation of Yakshagana performers while sustaining the discipline, creativity and collective spirit that make this traditional art form distinctive.

Shree Devi Mahatme is where this journey begins a first production that lays the foundation for many more stories, artists and performances to come.