Lalit Gupta
JAMMU, Mar 24: Adding to the growing corpus of modern Gojri literature, ‘Maqadam Bajyoo’, a new Gojri play critiquing the traditional institutions which exploit the gullible tribals and nomads was staged at the Abhinav Threatre, here today.
Produced byTribal Research and Cultural Foundation, the play based on the concept of Dr. Javaid Rahi, scripted and directed by Choudhary Shokat Naseem was performed by tribal and nomadic actors of Rajouri and adjoining areas.
The story of the play is about a young Gujjar couple who wants to get married due to machinations of a middle-aged man who is interested in taking the young girl as his fourth wife. ‘Muqadam’- the Tribal headman also connives with his dictates. The community members seeing the evil designs of the one who is supposed to guide the community, decide to bypass his dictates and get the young couple married: Thus signaling the breaking of age-old shackles.
The well written dialogues, full of Gojri adages and proverbs reflecting the native wisdom as well as nomadic lifestyle, along with traditional costumes, use of folk music, rituals songs, and above all the raw humor which flowed abundantly on stage was highly appreciated by the audience comprising of number of tribal dignitaries, Gujjar students and scholars.
According to Shokat Naseem, the play has been produced mainly by the member of Gujjar Bakerwal Community and has emerged after a process of 21 days workshop conducted in Rajouri by the Tribal Research Foundation.
Those who performed in the play includes Irshad Ahmed, Shabaz Naseem, Basharat Ali, Sadaqat Ali, Rafi Shabnum, Bedar Bakhat, Naseer Ahmed, Liaqat Ali, Bedar Bakhat, Sarwar Hussain and Archana Sharma as the lone female actor. Music was designed by Muzamal Shah, lights by Tariq Fahim and Pankaj Sharma. Dr Shahid Iqbal, Director Information was the chief guest and Dr A S Amn was guest of honour.
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