The Venkateswara Natya Mandali, Surabhi group of stage artists who went to France to participate in the "Passages International Theater Festival" at Metz in France gave a good performance on Saturday to get appreciations for their acting talent.

The French Minister for Culture Aurelie Filipetti watched the play “Bhakta Prahlada” and as reported by the Alliance Francaise she was thoroughly impressed with the performance.  Some other news papers also wrote high about the Surabhi group.  

43 artists left Lalitha Kala Thoranam to attend the theater festival at Metz started on 4th May.  Surabhi was the only group that earned the honors of attending such a festival abroad.  For better following of the audience there a screen showing subtitles of the dialogues in French was arranged.  

A total of 43 artists alongwith their equipment’s passage to France costed a lot.  But with the help of Indian Council for Cultural Relations and some drama organizations and individual’s sponsoring made their trip possible for the Surabhi troupe Venkateswara Natya Mandali consisting of child artists to old.

The 128 years old Surabhi group has been staging Bhakta Prahlada, Mayabazar, Sri Krishna Leelalu and other mythological plays which need special make up and tricks like sage Narada descending from heavens, Bala Krishna showing his open mouth that beholds Viswam, the entire creation and many more tricks displayed with the help of special equipment, screens and lighting effect.  The group is famous for changing the backdrops instantly.  

AW-SriJa