Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 6: On the culmination of the five-day long 101st Indian Science Congress organised by University of Jammu, Natrang’s internationally acclaimed Dogri play “Ghumayee”, sponsored by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), Katra will be staged at General Zorawar Singh Auditorium, University of Jammu tomorrow.
Written, conceptualized and directed by Padamshree Balwant Thakur, ‘Ghumayee’ is the first Indian play which made it to the world famous ‘Frankfurt Theatre Festival’, Frankfurt, Germany in 2009. It also has the credit of having featured in World Experimental Theatre Festival Moscow, Russia and in the Common Wealth Games, New Delhi besides Belgrade, Yaroslavl, Hungary and Poland.
Staged for over 200 times, play “Ghumayee” is a play based on Dogri Folk Tale of the hills of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi and opens with a ‘VIDAI’ scene after the solemnisation of marriage and bride is being carried in a ‘Doli’ to her in-law’s place. As the tough climb begins, thirsty ‘Dulhan’ asks for water. Her request is laughed away and no heed is paid. As the track becomes strenuous, her thirst intensifies and repeated entreaties end up in assurance of water at next available source. A stage is reached when thirst becomes unbearable and (Doli is put down) journey is put to halt. All and one are requested to do the needful and arrange for water. In the quest a water source is sited but is miles deep down in a gorge, which is extremely difficult to reach. Repeated requests of bridegroom fail to evoke any response, as the job requires superhuman effort. The plight of ‘Dulhan’ prompts a young man to volunteer for the job. All present warn him of the probable consequences but he is undeterred. During the ensuing discussions, the groom in an insolent tone bets away his bride in lieu of water. Thus begins the struggle for water. The young man, putting his life in extreme danger, overcomes all hurdles and ultimately succeeds in bringing the water. As bride quenches her thirst, the young man falls dead, out of sheer exhaustion. In stunned atmosphere, ‘Baraties’ decide to continue with the journey but ‘Dulhan’ refuses to do so. She declares herself a widow and cries out a wail (Ghumayee) sanctifying the significance of human relationship over the most prized relationship of marriage bound by mere rituals.
The play is being presented by Natrang which is the first full-time professional theatre group of the State established in the year 1983 by Balwant Thakur.
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