‘Festival of Plays’ ends with cancellation of ‘controversial’ play
Lalit Gupta
JAMMU, Mar 29: Organized by J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages (JKAACL), the 15-day Festival of Plays 2020-2021 ended with the cancellation of ‘controversial’ play at the Abhinav Theatre here today.
The Hindi comic satire titled ‘Passport’ to be staged today by Nav Durga Kala Manch was postponed by Academy after a complainant raised objection to the portrayal of a character and a few dialogues in the play. Despite the pleadings by the number of visibly upset theatre artists to let the show go on, the Academy authorities, fearing disruption by some groups during the performance and the harassment of the audience, decided to postpone today’s presentation.
Coming on the heels of psychological thriller ‘Antanvaran’ directed by Sapna Soni, the penultimate play of the Fest, Patjhad’, a Hindi translation of Tennessee William’s classic play ‘The Glass Menagerie by S.M. Azhar, staged by ‘Pancham’, came out as an endearing show. Directed by Gurmeet Jamwal and Mohit Mehra, the play’s story revolved around a family of three: Amanda, the mother, her son Tom and the daughter Laura; a physically challenged girl. Jim is Tom’s friend.
Gurmeet Jamwal portrayed brilliantly the doting but controlling Amanda. The debutant Kanchan Rajput, as crippled & shy Laura stood out for her measured movements and body language. Her silence and restraint was a noticeable contrast to Amanda’s hysteria. Mohit Mehra, the narrator and the son Tom, effortlessly alternated between the frustration of the young factory worker and the composure and detachment of a man who has had the benefit of retrospection. Vivek Sangotra also impressed in the role of Jim. Effective music and play of light and shadow created the aura that alternated between memory, illusion and reality. Light by Mahir Sudan & Pankaj, set by Jeyestha Jamwal, execution by Sanjeet Mehra, Ricky Malhotra, craft and design by Ajay Gupta, music designed by Mohit Mehra and operated by Lokesh.
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