The public sometimes questions the words and behaviour of founders of various faith groups, whether it be Saint Peter, Mohammed, Moses, John Smith, or Brahma. Would such behaviour fit into a standard etiquette of current protocol? We mean no disrespect by raising the issue, but people do ask how Henry the 8th could do what he did.
In our portrayal of characters in our drama, Vamana, we take a hard look at spiritual figureheads like Sukracharya, and to some degree one of the very acknowledged greats, Bali. Mind you, these persons played out by our excellent actors in the last two days demonstrated traits that are questionable.
What really is of paramount importance is the transformation of such characters and how they come to terms with surrender and saintliness in the end. They terminate their lives and they become heroes.
In our version of Vamana here in South Africa, we present the priest Sukracharya as a Zulu sangoma, what some people might call a witch doctor, a little bit on the wild side. From a Vedic interpretation, this brahmin is rather super proud, a high browed egotistical high caste personage. The personalities match perfectly.
I did want to report that our troupe did so well. It was a crowd pleaser. The audience can always identify with the theme of hypocrisy and also a happy ending.
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