Lalit Gupta
JAMMU, Mar 6: Bhoorang Foundation’s presentation of Dr Sohan Kaul’s Kashmiri play ‘Local tax Extra’, came out to be a perfect comedy, in which the brilliant quartet of actors, not only brought out full potential of the script laced with layered meanings, but many a times transcended the context by their masterful control in delivery of dialogs, split second timing and body movements.
A highly entertaining experience, the lone Kashmiri entry which marked the day 3 of ongoing annual drama festival being organized by Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, was presented at the auditorium of Government College for Women, Gandhinagar, here today.
Directed by veteran actor Shadi Kaul, the play revolves around four characters: House Owner and his tenants, one Bhushan Lal-Shadi Lal, his wife Usha ji-Meena Peer and their helper Gashi Ram-Ashok Kak.
The wily house owner, played by Farooq Sheikh, through his machinations intrudes into the life of his tenant couple and creates tense situations that ultimately play havoc in their married life. When Usha Ji threatens to leave for malun-her parent place, the house owner acting as a judge holds the domestic court and passes judgment in which he holds Gasi Lal responsible for creating misunderstanding between the couple. But now wizened, Bhushan Kaul sees the truth and confronts the house owner.
The play performed without frills of set and props was a treat to witness the acting prowess of veteran actors. It goes to the credit of Meena Peer as Usha ji who matched the brilliance of her fellow actors.
Farooq Sheikh, with his yellow dastar, phiran, specs, and typical craned head and steadied gate, presented an excellent portrait of a typical cranky and cunning ‘bhatta’.
Tomorrow, Natraj Natya Kunj will present Hindustani play ‘The Last Colony’ under the direction of Abhishekh Bharti.
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