On the second day of Rang Sopan-II a Sanskrit play Pratima was staged at Antrang Hall, Bharat Bhavan.
Directed by Kavalam Narayana Panicker, the statue play Pratima is the recreation of a situation from Ramayana by the great poet Bhasa. The play was performed by the artists of Sopanam Theatre Group, Thiruvahindrapuram.. The usage of mythological costumes, accessories, headgears and makeup added zest to the performance. As this play is a recreation of one of the incident from Ramayana it narrates about the strong bonds of relationships and how they are maintained
As the play begins, it shows that the crowning of Prince Rama of Ayodhya is delayed and he is ordered to leave the palace and the kingdom to go on a vanvas for 14 years. As he walks away, Prince Rama’s beloved wife Sita and his younger brother Prince laxman joins him on this journey.
During all these happenings, Keikai’s son Bharat was on a tour. Soon Rama leaves for Vanvas, Bharat returns to the kingdom only to find out that his father Raja Dashratha is no more. Dasaratha's death is conveyed and his statue (Pratima) joining the array of statues of his predecessors.
He is also informed about what happened to Rama and blaming Keikai for all the mess and conspiring against Rama, Bharat leaves for Vanvas where he meets Rama. At the forest, Rama advices Bharat not to leave the responsibilities and return to the kingdom and take care of the people of Ayodhya. Bharat without any delay abiding to his brother’s advice and leaves for Ayodhya. Bharat reign the kingdom as his brother Rama could have as Rama was no one but a great role model for Bharat.
According to the director, “Subtle images in the text of Pratima were picked up for the production and these threads were traced throughout the script to its logical and aesthetic completion. This production is the further recreation of a part of the play. It involves a probe into the underlying relationship of the concept of the play.”
Interestingly, the play ends where it began. The blend of past and present was wondrously performed on stage leaving the audience mesmerized.