The team during a rehearsal of the play
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Inspired by the universal appeal and teachings of Krishna, Chennai-based SB Creations will stage its Tamil play Krishna on November 23, 6.30 p.m. at Narada Gana Sabha. The play is jointly presented by Narada Gana Sabha and Brahma Gana Sabha. Directed by SBS Raman, the script is written by Vivek Bharathi, music is by GJR Krishnan and dance choreography by Manasvini K.R.
Dharma and SBS Raman
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
“SB Creations was founded in 1959 by my father-in-law, veena vidwan S. Balachander,” says Dharma Raman. “He even directed and produced movies (Avana Ivan, Bommai and Nadu Iravil) under the same banner but gave up movies to become a full-time veena player. We — my husband SBS Raman (son of S. Balachander and a lawyer by profession whose passion is theatre), Baradwaj Raman (a vainika and sound engineer) and myself — revived the theatre group in 2016 ,” shares Dharma, who has been acting on stage since 2013. “My very first play was with the Madras Players. Ever since, I have worked with various theatre groups.”
Krishna is based on a well-researched story. “Many know his journey from birth to his killing of Kamsa as a teenager. Then there is a huge gap till he appears on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. So what happened in between these two events will be a significant aspect of the play,” says Raman, and shares: “Dharma and our son, Surya Raman, collaborate on research, writing, casting and design too.”
The cast during a costume rehearsal
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
Krishna’s childhood has been extensively explored through music and dance. “Every little win in the Mahabharata is credited to Krishna. He was not attached to the outcome, but was looking out for dharma — victory of good over evil. The play tries to understand Krishna as a complete man — teacher, friend, philosopher and guide,” says Dharma.
Krishna is SB Creations’ fifth production after the revival of the theatre group.
A scene from a rehearsal of the play.
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
“Our aim is to stage plays with social, political and historical themes,” says Raman, who also believes Krishna carries a great message even today. The modern world, especially the corporates, can learn a lot from his wisdom and strategic brilliance.”
According to Dharma, the play has many creative elements that could come as a surprise to the audience. The Kurukshetra war will also be depicted on stage.
Krishna will be staged again on November 27 at Rasika Ranjani Sabha. Tickets for non-members available on mdnd,in.
Published – November 12, 2025 02:41 pm IST
