By NewsGram Staff Writer

The Trust, a renowned puppetry troupe from Bellary is all set to bring laurels to the country by performing in Indonesia from May 24 to 31.

SA Krishnaiah of Udupi, a folk researcher scholar and a member of Central Sangeet Nataka Academy will be leading the troupe on the eight day journey to the Ramayana Puppets Festival in the neighbouring South-East nation.

After gradually withdrawing from the mainstream performing arts, many puppetry groups have turned towards the Indonesian art form called 'Wayang Kulit' (Shadow puppets in Indonesia), which resembles the art form of the Karnataka leather puppeteers.

The leather puppeteers of the Ramayana play of Belagallu Veeranna and his team are sponsored by Indian Council for Cultural Relations, New Delhi and Sangeet Natak Academy. The state and central governments of India have bestowed various awards on 'Nadoja' Belagallu Veeranna.

Krishnaiah, the managing director of the entire puppetry show will manage the entire team of artists during the Indonesian tour.

"The nomadic tribal arts of shadow-puppet-play artiste from Ballari renowned as 'Gomberama', will interact with Indonesian Dalang (puppeteers) during their eight day trip to the Island nation", Krishnaiah said.

Apart from managing the team, Krishnaiah will also perform as an artiste in various shows.The shows will be staged at various locations in the nation of Indonesia on different dates.

Mahalingam, BV Ramesh; BV Prakash, K Lingappa; Chilagod, artiste from Manukula Ashrama, BV Mallikarjuna; BV Hanumanta are some of the renowned artistes who will be a part of the tour.

Wayang Kulit is a shadow puppet theatre belonging to the famous Java islands. The epic story of Ramayana is conveyed by these puppets and is remembered during the time of Diwali in India.