Lalit Gupta
JAMMU, Sept 27: A record number of three dramatic performances marked the penultimate day of the ongoing Natya Samagama, being organized by organized by Sangeet Natak Akademy, New Delhi, in collaboration with J&K Cultural Academy, at the Abhinav Theatre, here today.
Today, the drama segment which saw the convergence of diverse cultural practices opened with Sartaqs”. This first ever presentation of a drama in Purgi language in Jammu, was staged by a group from Kargil, under a direction of Kachoo Ahmed Khan, a National School of Drama graduate.
The topical story of the play mirrors pain of the Baltis of Kargil who despite sharing the same culture, today stand divided by a border, as aftermath of 1947 Partition.
The welcome maiden play from remote area of Kargil, impressed for its straight forward production design and presentation. From the marriage customs, richness of martial practices, crafts and folk art forms of music and dance, the play provided a glimpse into challenging but simple everyday life of tribals in the high mountainous region.
The second presentation of Raja Vikramaditya in Swang, a unique North-Indian folk opera theatre form, came out a treat for the audience. Presented by Folk Art Academy, Hisar, the story revolves around the king of Ujjain Raja Bhartrihari who loves the queen Pingla who in turn is amorously drawn to the Jailor. Afraid of prince Vikramaditya, who is a chance witness to her illicit liaison, cunning Pingla accuses the prince of sexual overtures, and the infuriated king has him killed.
The truth is revealed when the amar phal given to Pingla by Brahithari, again returns back to the king. The play has a happy ending when Vikramaditya, not killed by the hangman, reappears before the king. The chasten king abdicates the kingdom in Vikramaditya’s favour and leaves for meditation with barefooted Pingla following him.
The director Satish Kashyap along with Sandhya Sharma, as narrators and actors, with their masterful performance marked with fusion of acting, singing and dance, got standing ovation from the audience.
The last play of the evening was Kalidas’s Abhigyan Shakuntalam, in Nagpuri dialect of Jharkhand. Presented by Exposure group under the direction of Sanjay Kumar Lal, the production designed with elements drawn from tribal theatre, dance and music, came out as an excellent opportunity to experience the cultural richness of Jharkahnd.
The daylong performances of the folk forms of Jammu and Kashmir included Bhand Pather by Dilkash Folk Theatre, Hatmulla, Kupwara, Kud dance, by Krishan Singh & party, Reasi, Jadu Jadiaan by Hans Raj and Party, Udhampur, Bhagtiaan by Girdhari Lal Bhagtia & party, Bhakh by Onkar Singh & party and Dhambali by Bashir Ahmad Shah.
Tomorrow, on final day of the Natya Samagama, two major plays Notes on Chai by Jyoti Dogra, Mumbai and Babuji by Zafar Sanjari, Parivartan Samooh, Gwalior, will be performed.’
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