Bhubaneswar: On the second evening of ongoing three-day-long 13th Ajit Natya Mahotsav, organised by Abhinaya Jagruti Institute of Theatre (AJIT) started on January 20 at Rabindra Mandap in Bhubaneswar, National School of Drama, Bengaluru centre staged a Hindi play ‘Shivaratri’ to a packed auditorium.
The play was written by Chandrasekhar Kambar, a recipient of Jnanpith Award (2010) and Padmashree (2001). Born in 1937 in Ghodgeri, Karnataka, he has written 25 plays, including Jokumaraswami, Siri Sampige, Shivratri and Mahamayi, along with 11 poetry collections and 6 novels like Karimayi and Shikharasoorya. His critical works focus on folk theatre and literature.
The play was translated into Hindi and directed by Smt Veena Sharma Bhusnoormath, who hails from Hubballi, Karnataka. Smt Veena is a distinguished theatre artist with over three decades of experience in acting, directing, and design. She completed her professional training in Design and Direction at the National School of Drama, New Delhi (1998-2001), after a year of foundational theatre training at Ninasam Ranga Shikshana Kendra, Heggodu, Karnataka (1996-97).
Smt Veena, who was also in charge of costume, set and design, in her director’s note provided to this reviewer, says, “In this play, I have crafted a moral debate between the side that wants progress and the side that strongly holds on to conservative ways. Through this, I hope we are inspired to think, question, and take action in our own lives. As theatre artists, our aim is to carry Basavanna’s legacy forward and work towards a more equal and compassionate world.”
Set in 12th-century, the play deals with the rigid caste system and traditional norms of the time mentioned. It was nicely presented with an intercaste marriage.
The play opens onto a marriage ceremony at Kalyan Nagar. Madhuvarsa, a Brahmin, marries off his daughter Neelambika to Sheelbant, son of Haralaya, who belongs to a lower caste.As the marriage opposes Bijjal Maharaja’s ideology, Madhuvarsa and Haralaya are hanged as a punishment.As the story progresses, the artistes beautifully depicted the ideological clash between Bijjala Maharaja, the protector of tradition, and Basavanna, a visionary of equality.
The title is ‘Shivaratri’ because the incidents take place on this auspicious day.The incorporation of Puliyattam folk dance of Tamilnadu gave a different touch to the play.
All the actors and actresses were upto the mark in giving justice to their characters. The play was staged to live music, directed by Susheel Sharma. Dinesh Kumar’s light design needs special mention. The light on stage played a significant role in highlighting the moods.
In a nutshell, the play was worth watching.
On this occasion, actress Kuni Mishra was felicitated with Ajit Natya Samman, journalist Bijay Mandal and journalist Bandana Sethi were with Ajit Sambadika Samman.
