Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 25: Continuing its rich tradition of showcasing meaningful and impactful theatre, Natrang today presented a Dogri play, ‘Chetta’, at its weekly Sunday Theatre series.
The play was based on a Dogri story of the same name, written by renowned writer Joginder Chhatrapal, was skillfully adapted by Dimple Sharma and directed by Pawan Verma.
Chetta is a poignant and thought-provoking narrative that delves into the mental and emotional struggles of old age, shedding light on the challenges faced by the elderly, including societal indifference and insensitivity.
The story follows an elderly, retired schoolteacher who is determined to attend the wedding of a friend’s daughter in a distant village.
Struggling with memory loss and ridiculed by his family for his forgetfulness, he embarks on the journey alone, carrying a simple gift of a saree and a bag of rajma beans.
As the old man waits at the bus stand for his friend Abrol, he is haunted by memories of being taunted by his family. Unable to remember essential details, such as the name of his destination or his friend’s phone number, he faces further challenges at the ticket counter.
His struggles evoke both sympathy and frustration with society’s lack of understanding toward dementia. When his friend Abrol finally arrives, a brief moment of relief is overshadowed by sarcastic remarks and added pressures, deepening the protagonist’s sense of humiliation.
The production featured an exceptional cast who brought the story to life with their powerful performances.
Neeraj Kant portrayed the storyteller with depth and authenticity, Mohd Yaseen delivered a remarkable performance in the dual roles of BR Damle and Abrol.
The central character of the old schoolteacher was powerfully performed by Pawan Verma.
The cast was further supported by Kartik Kumar as a passerby and the ticket agent.
The play’s lighting and sound were expertly executed by Shivam Singh.
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