Lalit Gupta
JAMMU, June 30: Rangyug’s impressive performance of Dr. Shankar Shesh’s acclaimed Hindi play Raktbeej, at the Abhinav Theatre, here today, not only came out as befitting artistic welcome to the monsoon season, but also go down as a historic chapter in Jammu’s amateur theater scene for two reasons.
First, the play marked the debut of seasoned actor Juhie Mohan as theatre director and the second, the audiences were asked to pay for the Doner Cards to witness the play: Thus initiating a movement to make theater in Jammu as self-supporting affair rather than being dependent on government grants.
One of the most performed plays of Dr. Shankar Sesh, Raktbeej, brings together two stories that discuss opportunism. “The crux of the stories is relevant today, where everybody is using everybody”. The first story is of a corporate climber who gambles away his pretty wife to gain favors and the second story is about two brilliant scientists craving for recognition and celebrity, and both of them stoop to base levels for achieving their dreams. The stories become more interesting with popping up of the inner voices of each character. The playwright drives home the “law of karma” as you sow, so shall you reap.
Directed by Juhie Mohan and designed by Deepak Kumar, today’s play despite the text heavy philosophical theme, was a delectable affair as the young actors through a well-orchestrated performance not only kept the audience spell bound but successfully unleashed the magic of the subtext through internalized pauses, body language and impeccable delivery of rather long lines.
Sasha Bhatt, who essayed the pivotal role of the wife in both stories, stood out for her control as well as variety. Juhie Singh, as the inner voice, was again remarkable for her assuredness as well as the sprightly countenance. Raj Kumar Behrupia, was successful in portraying the two distinct characters through clever change of body posturing, variety in tone, tempo, and pitch of speech, and individualized mannerisms. Soham Kyshyap gave an impressive show of acting skills to enact two different roles that of a corporate boss and the senior scientist.
The sets were designed by Veer ji Sumbly, costumes by Dr. Priya Dutta, music by Dhanish Sharma and lights by Pankaj and Sonik Singh.
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