NEW DELHI: Sahitya Kala Parishad, the Art and Cultural Wing of the Delhi Government, is back with the much-anticipated Bharatmuni Rang Utsav. The festival, dedicated to showcasing the diverse talents within the theatrical realm, kicked off on January 22nd, 2024, at the iconic LTG Auditorium, Mandi House. The four-day festival, which runs until January 25th, features solo and duet acts and offers an encouraging platform for promising theatre artists. Each day offers a cultural extravaganza featuring four captivating performances, ensuring a rich and varied experience for the audience.
The evening began with the captivating drama ‘Mrija,’ written and directed by the talented Tapobrati Das Samaddar. The drama explores the complex relationships of King Yayati’s daughter, questioning social customs that existed 5,000 years before Kurukshetra. The Udyog Parva, which is set in 3067 BCE, speaks about Madhavi, who was given the ability to regain her virginity after each childbirth. The drama connects with modern women through its exploration of responsibilities and free will. It reveals cultural links between the past and now, making Madhavi’s narrative strikingly relatable for today’s audience while skillfully addressing ageless issues. Tapobrati, founder and director of Wordloom Creative Ventures, breathes life into words, crafting compelling characters on screen and stage. She’s produced a lot of content for TV, radio, digital, and documentaries over 20 years.
Following this, the audience was treated to ‘Pyaaz Ke Phool,’ a gripping production written by Priyam Jani and directed by Sakshi Sunil Chauhan. Understanding someone requires delving into their history. This narrative unfolds a love triangle, leaving one pondering who truly lives life to the fullest and whose love is whole. In the tale, two women vie for Govind’s affections, unbeknownst to him. Here, Govind is like an onion flower, cherished solely by these two conflicted hearts.
The evening concluded with ‘Uske Sath’ (A Truth of a Girl), a powerful play scripted and directed by seasoned theatre artist Alok Shukla. Based on a true incident in Mumbai in 1997, the play sensitively portrays the life journey of a girl growing up in an orphanage and the events leading to her giving birth on a divider in front of the Andheri Sports Complex. Alok Shukla’s remarkable career in theatre, journalism, and poetry adds depth and authenticity to this thought-provoking performance.
Bharatmuni Rang Utsav witnessed a resounding success. The festival continues to celebrate the rich blend of Indian theatre, promising more enchanting performances in the days to come.
