Ghoramukho Pala

Step into the vibrant world of Bengali folk theatre with Ghoramukho Pala, a powerful stage production by Baghajatin Bikshan, presented by the Kolkata Centre for Creativity.

Based on Girish Karnad's celebrated play Hayavadana and translated into Bengali by eminent poet and literary figure Shankha Ghosh, the production brings a landmark work of modern Indian theatre into the expressive and energetic form of Bengali pala performance.

At the centre of the story are Devadatta, Kapila, and Padmini, whose friendship, love, desire, and conflicting choices lead them into a complicated journey of identity and fate. Alongside their story is the mysterious horse-headed man, whose search for completeness becomes a deeper reflection on what it means to be human.

A Blend of Folk Theatre & Contemporary Storytelling

Rather than presenting the story through conventional theatre alone, Ghoramukho Pala draws on the lively traditions of Bengali pala, bringing together narration, music, movement, chorus, and stylised ensemble performance. This creates a theatrical language that is rooted in folk traditions while engaging with contemporary questions.

Explore Questions of Identity

The production asks thought-provoking questions about who we are, what makes us complete, and whether physical form, intellect, desire, or identity defines a person. Through myth, folklore, and metaphor, the story turns an ancient narrative into a reflection on modern human experiences.

A Story of Friendship, Love & Desire

The relationship between Devadatta, Kapila, and Padmini forms the emotional core of the production. Their intertwined lives explore friendship, attraction, jealousy, choices, and the consequences of seeking something different from what we already possess.

Experience Bengali Performing Arts

For audiences interested in Bengali theatre, folk performance, Indian mythology, literature, and experimental storytelling, Ghoramukho Pala offers an opportunity to experience a classical dramatic narrative through a distinctly Bengali theatrical form.

Directed by Sayak Mukherjee

The production is directed by Sayak Mukherjee, a Bengali theatre professional working across direction, acting, writing, music, and design. His theatre practice is known for bringing folk traditions together with contemporary theatrical language.

A Meaningful Theatre Experience

Ghoramukho Pala goes beyond entertainment to explore questions of selfhood, incompleteness, belonging, longing, and fulfilment. Its combination of mythology and folk performance creates a space where an old story can speak to contemporary audiences. 

Ghoramukho Pala offers a distinctive theatre experience that brings Girish Karnad's celebrated Hayavadana into the vibrant tradition of Bengali pala performance. The production combines storytelling, live music, movement, chorus, and ensemble theatre while exploring identity, desire, belonging, fate, and the human search for completeness.

Experience Bengali Folk Theatre

See a modern Indian dramatic classic interpreted through the expressive language of Bengali pala, a performance tradition built around narration, music, movement, and direct storytelling.

Discover a Powerful Story

Follow Devadatta, Kapila, Padmini, and the mysterious horse-headed man through a story of friendship, love, desire, jealousy, fate, and impossible choices.

Explore Questions of Identity

The play raises thought-provoking questions about who we are, what makes us complete, and whether physical form, intellect, or desire defines our identity.

Enjoy Live Music & Movement

The production brings together live music, chorus, movement, stylised performance, and ensemble storytelling, creating a dynamic theatrical experience rather than a conventional stage presentation.

Experience Girish Karnad's Classic in Bengali

For audiences familiar with Hayavadana and those discovering it for the first time, this Bengali adaptation provides a fresh perspective on one of modern Indian theatre's important works.

Appreciate Shankha Ghosh's Translation

The production is based on Shankha Ghosh's Bengali translation, bringing Karnad's philosophical drama into a Bengali literary and theatrical context.

Watch Contemporary Theatre Meet Folk Tradition

Director Sayak Mukherjee is known for bringing folk traditions together with contemporary theatrical language. Ghoramukho Pala reflects this approach by using an established folk form to address deeply contemporary human questions.

Reflect on the Meaning of Completeness

The mysterious horse-headed man's search for wholeness provides a compelling metaphor for the human desire to become complete. The production invites audiences to think about incompleteness, longing, fulfilment, and belonging.

A Great Choice for Theatre & Culture Lovers

If you enjoy Bengali theatre, Indian literature, folk performance, mythology, experimental storytelling, and live performing arts, this production offers a rich cultural experience.

Experience It Live in Kolkata

The production is scheduled for 12 September 2026 at KCC Amphitheatre, Kolkata, with a running time of approximately 1 hour 40 minutes without a break. The official listing recommends it for audiences 16 years and above.