In 1975, amidst the political turmoil of the Emergency declared by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, a group of young, passionate theatre artists in Bengaluru decided to take a stand. Led by Prasanna Heggodu, a National School of Drama graduate, they founded Samudaya, meaning “community” in Kannada. Their motto was simple yet powerful: “Art for Life.” The goal was to use theatre as a tool for social awareness, protest, and dialogue, reaching people who were otherwise denied a voice.
The birth of samudaya
Samudaya was born with a vision to blend art and activism. Drawing inspiration from Bertolt Brecht’s theatre techniques and the Indian People’s Theatre Association, Prasanna and his colleagues aimed to make theatre a mirror for society. They wanted audiences not just to watch, but to think, question, and act.
The group’s performances were rooted in collective participation, reflecting their belief that theatre should belong to the people, not just the elite. Samudaya became a platform for artists, students, and activists to engage communities in Karnataka on issues that mattered most.
Street theatre: art as protest
In its early days, Samudaya performed in public spaces and village squares, taking theatre directly to the people. These mobile performances, known as jathas, traveled across Karnataka, addressing social injustice, farmers’ struggles, caste discrimination, and the suppression of democracy during the Emergency.
Their first notable production, Huttava Badidare (Beating the Burrow), reimagined a folk tale to critique power structures. Another acclaimed play, Turkman Gate, highlighted the forced eviction of slum dwellers in Delhi, bringing attention to the plight of the urban poor. These raw, energetic performances turned ordinary streets into arenas of dialogue and dissent.
Transition to stage performances
As India moved beyond the Emergency, Samudaya began shifting some of its work to formal theatre stages and auditoriums. This allowed for more complex storytelling and the inclusion of innovative production techniques, while still keeping the core focus on social issues.
Some of the group’s landmark stage performances include:
- Thaayi, an adaptation of Brecht’s The Mother, addressing class struggle and maternal strength.
- Che Guevara by B.V. Karanth, reflecting revolutionary ideals.
- Tughlaq by Girish Karnad, exploring the complexities of political power and human morality.
This transition didn’t dilute Samudaya’s mission. Instead, it allowed them to blend the energy of street theatre with stage sophistication, reaching wider audiences and fostering intellectual engagement.
Adapting to changing times
The 1990s brought challenges: political events, shifting audience habits, and financial constraints made it difficult for Samudaya to maintain the same reach as before. Some young actors opted for more stable careers, and over time, the number of active branches reduced.
Yet, the group continued evolving, embracing new formats, collaborations, and even digital mediums to stay relevant. The central mission highlighting social injustice and fostering critical thinking remained intact.
50 years of samudaya: A golden jubilee
In 2025, Samudaya proudly celebrated its 50th anniversary at Ravindra Kalakshetra, Bengaluru. The golden jubilee was a three-day event, featuring performances, panel discussions, and exhibitions celebrating the theatre group’s journey from gritty street plays to acclaimed stage productions.
The celebration was more than nostalgia; it was a reaffirmation of Samudaya’s commitment to using art as a catalyst for change, inspiring a new generation of theatre artists and social activists.
Legacy and impact
Samudaya’s journey reflects the transformative power of theatre. From challenging the heavy hand of the Emergency to addressing contemporary social issues, the group has consistently used art to provoke thought and action.
Today, Samudaya stands as a beacon of Kannada theatre, demonstrating that protest and artistic expression can survive and evolve. Its story teaches a vital lesson: art that speaks truth to power will always find a way, whether on the streets or under the spotlight.
