Lalit Gupta
JAMMU, June 15: Natraj Natya Kunj’s presented Garish Karnad’s famous play ‘Agni Barkha’, in Dogri at the auditorium of Government College for Women, Gandhi Nagar, here today Today production sponsored by Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi was directed by Abhishek Bharti and based on Kumar A Bharti’s Dogri adaptation of Ram Gopal Bazaz’s Hindi translation of Girish Karnad’s original English drama, ‘The Fire and the Rain’, was an entertaining affair.
The plot of the drama, in fascinating interplay of ancient myths recorded in Mahabharata, revolves around characters like Pravasu, eldest son of sage Raibaya involved as head priest in seven year long yajña for rain and has even forsaken his wife Vishakha. The discard felt by his father, cousin Yavakri adds new dimension to the story.
Pravasu’s younger brother, Aravasu who is in love with a tribal girl is unwittingly broiled in the battle of supremacy between his father, brother and cousin. Yavakari seduction of Vishakha, leads to unleashing of Brahmrakshasha upon him by the sage. Aravasu’s goodness and faith makes God Indra appear, who asks to him seek a wish. Aravasu’s sense of duty and goodness results in drought ridden land being granted rain and people’s salvation.
Abhskeik Bharti’s well thought out production design along with elements of ingenious cultural tradition, not only provided a classical setting to the production but also enliven the well crafted theatrical situations and moments.
Today’s production having the distinct stamp of young director Abhishek Bharti, was marked by cleaver use of element of mime, rhythmic body movements, groupings with a unique mix of folk and classical, background music which stood out for chanting of Sanskrit shlokas, alaaps as well as crescendos, drum beats-all emerged as impressive tools of the eclectic theatre language adapted for the play.
The cast of young actors did their best, but Rishi Kumar as Brahmarakshas, impressed the most Others who also acted well included Mukesh Bakshi, Rakesh Dogra, Akshay Razdan, Neha Bhat, Roopali Sharma, Aaditya Bharti, Manik Sahrma, Kanav Sharma, Lalit Sharma, Rahul Sharma, Abhishek Sharma, Aditya Gupta, Rishab Satt, Allen and Shubangi Dhamir. The effective choreography was designed by Romit Sawhney, make-up by Manoj Dhamir Shammi, and background music by Surinder Manhas.
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