Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 18: The magic of an electrifying performance was visible all over when the versatile actors of Natrang vibrated Abhinav Theatre stage with its globally acclaimed Dogri play ‘Ghumayee’ written and directed by Padamshree Balwant Thakur.
Basant Rath, IGP Traffic, J&K was the chief guest on the occasion.
The play brought Dogri language and culture in global limelight and has the honour for being the first Dogri play which has been selected for being presented in the Theatre Olympics-2018.
‘Ghumayee’ has already created a history for being the first Indian play which featured in Frankfurt Theatre Festival, Germany in the year 2009.
It also has the distinction of having been featured during the Commonwealth Games in the year 2010. Produced in the year 2000, this Dogri play has given a new intellectual identity to this part of the world. In past eighteen years, it has been staged in over 50 National and International theatre festivals and have won accolades all over the world.
‘Ghumayee’ is a play based on Dogri Folk Tale of a hilly village and opens with a ‘Vidai’ scene after the solemnization of marriage and bride is being carried in a ‘Doli’ to her in-law’s place.
As the tough climb begins, thirsty ‘Dulhan’ asks for water. Her request is laughed away and no heed is paid. As the track becomes strenuous, her thirst intensifies and repeated entreaties end up in assurance of water at next available source. A stage is reached when thirst becomes unbearable and (Doli is put down) journey is put to halt. All and one are requested to do the needful and arrange for water.
In the quest a water source is sited but is miles deep down in a gorge, which is extremely difficult to reach. Repeated requests of bridegroom fail to evoke any response, as the job requires superhuman effort. The plight of ‘Dulhan’ prompts a young man to volunteer for the job. All present warn him of the probable consequences but he is undeterred.
He makes ‘Dulhan’ quench her thirst before taking his last breath because of exhaustion.
‘Dulhan’ declares herself a widow and cries out a wail (Ghumayee) sanctifying the significance of human relationship over the most prized relationship of marriage bound by mere rituals.
Performance of Vikrant Sharma, Yuva Bismillah Khan Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee and versatile Anil Tickoo was a delight to watch. Amongst senior actors who gave powerful performances included Suresh Kumar, Neeraj Kant, Subash Jamwal, Sumeet Sharma and Rahul Singh. Gauri Thakur in her performance as ‘Dulhan’ was successful in justifying the challenging role. She was equally supported by Simral Jaral, Vanshika Gupta, Vrinda Sharma, Meenakshi Bhagat and Sanchita. The show was conducted by Kusum Tickoo.
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