Lalit Gupta
JAMMU, Dec 17: Considered as benchmark of theatre practice in the winter capital, the Jammu Annual Drama Festival 2017 stands watered down by organizing J&K Academy of Art Culture and Languages (JKAACL), the 14-play fest has been spread as a 25 day event.
Much to the annoyance of theatre enthusiasts, the annual theatre festival calendar has been interspersed with music/dance programs and conferences on the plea that the dates were already booked for the said programmes. Such a lackadaisical attitude reflects not only Academy’s pro-literature slant but scant regard for the sanctity of theatre festival and performing arts in the State, said a furious senior theaterist.
Inaugurated by Zaffar Iqbal Manhas MLC and JKACCL’s Vice President and Secretary Dr. Aziz Hajni, at Abhinav Theatre, here today, the Drama festival 2107 opened with a stellar performance in Dogri of Mahakavi Basa’s Sanskrit play Urubhangam by Natraj Natya Kunj.
Translated in Dogri by Kumar A Bharti, designed by Abhishek Bharti and directed by Aditya Bharti, Urubhangam, written in 2nd-3rd century CE, is based on Mahabharata and focuses on story of Duryodhana during and after his fight with Bhima. The play emerges as a different presentation of the story wherein instead of villain is given more human qualities.
Today’s production raising the bar for forthcoming plays of the fest came out as an almost flawless presentation. Marked by eclectic structure that combined elements of abhinay, dance movements, masks, Dogra folk and modern choreographed elements, the play not only was successful in symbolically creating the grandeur of the epic but also humane aspects of Duryodhana.
The controlled delivery of dialogues full of gravity and as well as pathos by actors, fluid body movements, the aesthetic groupings and appropriate lighting supported with an well designed live background score by Abhishek Bharti-all combined together to make today’s production a visual treat and wholesome entertainment. The houseful audience showed appreciation by a giving standing ovation.
The cast included Akshay Razdan as Duryodhana 1, Amandeep Sharma as Duryodhana 2, Nitin Babu as Bhim, /Ashvatthama, Kanav Sahrma as Balram/Dushashan, Tejan Bharti as Lord Krishna, Akash Sahrma as Dhritrashtra, as Karan Mehra as Shakuni, Manik Sharma as Abhimanyu, Niharika Sakshi as Gandhari / Chorus 1, Hema Shivgotra as Durjay / Chorus, Sushmita Banerjee as Sushmita Banerjee As Draupadi / Chorus 3, Simran Verma as Chorus 4.
Lyrics were by Karan Mehta, make up by Shammi Dhamir, costumes by Komal Mohini, choreography by Romit Sawhney, lights by Pankaj, Rajinder Thapa and masks by Karu.
Earlier in his welcome address, Dr Aziz Hajani said that under the present set-up Academy is not able to do the development of literature, performing and visual arts and so instead of one Academy it should be trifurcated as three Academies.
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