Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 4: In an acknowledgment to the thriving theatre scenario of the winter capital where the last three months have been marked by regular showing by local amateur groups, Mahesh Elkunchwar’s well known play ‘Sultan’ was staged under the banner of Nav Durga Kala Manch, at the Abhinav Theatre, here today.
The one-act play which brought famous Marathi playwright into the limelight when it was published in 1967 is about one rich businessman Raj Shekhar who is an addict of drugs and alcohol. He has tamed a lion whose name is Sultan. Each of the three characters which surround Raj is there to fulfill their needs. The Doctor, who administers morphine to Raj at his beck and call, is there because he needs money for the treatment of his wife who is suffering from cancer. Raj’s girl friend Julie is pregnant and wants to marry him. The saffron-clad Swami jee has interest in getting donation for his Ashram.
Raj believes that death is an ultimate truth so there’s nothing to fear. The regular use of drugs has turned him psychic and sadist. He enjoys harassing the three characters by playing with their emotions. Ultimately he injects morphine to all of them, shoots his tamed lion Sultan. In the climax he himself injects shots of morphine and shoots himself.
Designed and directed by young Aditya Bhanu who also acted the main role of Raj Shekhar, today’s presentation with its surreal plot kept the audience engrossed. While Aditya Bhanu played the anchor role with fast tempo of dialogues and brisk movements. Other actors also helped in keeping the pace of the unfolding events. Anoop Goswami as the tall and lanky Swami Jee was impressive for his portrayal of a hapless Sadhu through movements of eyes and shivering of body parts. Other members of the cast included Sonam Sharma as Julie and Devanshu Raina as Doctor.
Ritu Manhas assisted in direction. Lights were designed by Dilshad Shazi, music by Varun Sharma, set and property by Ashish Bhat and make-up by Krishma Bajgal.
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