Lalit Gupta
JAMMU, Apr 20: A highly entertaining performance of Balwant Thakur’s acclaimed Dogri play Ghumayee-being staged continuously since last 18 years-came out as a befitting finale to five-day Theatre Carnival, at the Abhinav Theatre, here today.
It was heartening to note that Balwant Thakur’s Dogri play Ghumayee, came a notch higher than the other plays staged by invited groups from Haryana, Varanasi and Chandigarh for the novelty of its story drawn from Dogri folklore and the eclectic theatrical idiom characterized by a unique amalgam of Dogra forms of folk theatre, music, dance and contemporary experimental and innovative expressions.
Written and directed by Balwant Thakur, Ghumayee, Play ‘Ghumayee’- with distinction of being the first Indian play to feature in 2009 Frankfurt Theatre Festival, Germany, 2010 Commonwealth Games, and number cities in the country-has emerged as a kind of ambassador of Dogra cultural life as well as high sense of ingrained moral and ethical values that define the character of Dogra men and women.
A clever mix of narrative and musical format, the play has made its place in modern Indian theatre scene for bringing to fore the rich repertoire of Dogra folk performing art forms and to beautifully coalesce them with physical theatre language in such an innovative idiom leading to a kind of unique poetic ensemble where the dualism of meaning and form tends to disappear.
Click here to Watch Video : Balwant Thakur’s acclaimed Ghumayee concludes Theatre Carnival
Vikrant Sharma, as ‘Paani Laane Wala’, left an indelible mark due to stellar performance that was a treat in terms of subtle acting supported by exemplary physical dexterity. Gauri Thakur as ‘Dulhan’ was successful in portraying the innocent bride but with steely resolve to give ultimate sacrifice to uphold cherished values. Versatile Anil Tickoo with his splendid voice control, body movements, Suresh Kumar for his heart-rending portrayal of bride’s father, were other notable veteran actors. The other members of the cast who also gave good performances included Neeraj Kant, Subhash Jamwal, Sumeet Sharma, Rahul Singh, Vanshika Gupta, Vrinda Sharma, Meenakshi Bhagat and Sanchita, Mahikshit Singh, Gautam Kumar, Bhisham Gupta, Shivam Singh, Abhi Bargotra, Shivam Sharma, Sanket Bhagat. The soulful music of the play was composed by Brij Mohan and Suraj Singh who also led the singing of the play and also gave an appreciable entry on stage as ‘Gujjar’. The lights of the play was designed and executed by Pankaj Sharma whereas the audiography of the play was designed and executed by Mohd. Yaseen.
Organised by Natraj Natya Kunj Jammu, this first of its kind festival was supported by Ministry of Culture, Government of India, Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi, North Zone Cultural Centre, Patiala, Haryana Kala Parishad, Chandigarh and Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, Jammu. Simrandeep Singh, Chairman Services Selection Board was the chief guest, whereas Mr. Nishith Kumar Shil, Regional Passport Officer, Jammu was the guest of honour on the occasion.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
