Anandowari

This play is a Hindi adaptation of D.B Mokashi’s novel Anandowari, a seminal work in Marathi Literature.

Originally published in 1974, the novel Anandowari looks at 17th century Maharashtrian saint poet Tukaram’s story through his younger brother Kanha’s perspective. Tukaram has gone missing again. In his last days, Tukaram used to disappear for days because of his devotional reveries and trances, only to be found in some Godforsaken place, by his family. This time though the hints seem ominous. Kanha, his younger brother re-commences this ritual of search for his younger brother and in the process recalls his brother’s story. 

Our adaptation also focuses on the questions of the creative consciousness of the saint poet Tukaram, the source of his poetry, his metaphysical preoccupations, his social rebellion, his love for his beloved God Vitthal. We wondered what would happen if the writer stepped into his own story? His character has found salvation, what about the writer? How will he? It is an investigation into that search… A devotee in search of God. A man in search of his brother. A writer in search of the poet Tukaram.

Credits

Original Novel Anandowari by D.B Mokashi

Adaptation and Direction: Gerish Khemani

Songs Composed by: Keshav Kudale

Hindi Translation: Dr. Jaya Dayal Acharya

Performed by:  Varad Salvekar, Hrishabh Kanti

Background Score: Ruturaj Bhosle

Theme Track: Tushar Lall

Lights Design: Sachin Lele

Lights Operation: Sukrit Mahajan

Sound Operation and Production Support: Jaymin Thakkar

Poster and Creatives: Robin Patel

About The Blind and The Elephant Theatre Company

The Blind and the Elephant Theatre Company creates original, research-driven work rooted in cultural contexts that continue to shape us, while probing questions of being and belonging in an increasingly fragmented world. Our process is deeply physical, drawing on collective imagination and sustained playfulness to build a strong ensemble. At the heart of our practice

is the crafting of rich, layered visual worlds.