O P Sharma
Theatre plays in Dogri language are much needed and at the same time there are plenty of theatre plays written in Dogri but still more playwrights should come forward with good scripts for taking part in Theatre Festivals organized by J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages. Otherwise, it is a matter of concern.
I am of the opinion that theatre festivals should have a condition that maximum of plays should be staged mainly in regional languages. But for it, more and more theatre plays should be written, published and staged invriably.
Now Rajeshwar Singh ‘Raju’, an eminent Dogri, Hindi and English litterateur, has been writing theatre plays since long. ‘BABU JI’ based upon Mithileshwar’s story of the same name was his first theatre play staged by Amateur Theatre Group(ATG) under the direction of noted late Mushtaq Kak. Afterwords, he went on writing plays in Hindi as well Dogri language like: Widows, translation of Ariel Dorfman’s English play; Gudiya Ghar is adaptation of HenricIbson’ play “The Doll House” as also Romeo Juliet aur Andhera based upon Czech novelist Jan Otcenasek’s novel, Viraam, AaEN, Apne Par Bhari.
Interesting Narrative
But ‘Prateek Chand De Prateek’ te ‘Akalmand Lok, his 26th book is eventually his first publication of theatre plays. It is a collection of two theatre plays written in Dogri, in a simple but stylish language. This has, really a thought-provoking plot revolving around those alleged well-wishers of mother-tongue, who leave no stone unturned in fulfilling their selfish desires in the wake of efforts made to preserve and promote our mother-tongue language.
The play has a character with a symbolic name Prateek, who has many Prateek i.e. symbols decorating his life and with his orating skill has the aura to mark a distinct position at important platforms. He heads an organization, which boasts of serving for a cause. The author, who happens to be a story teller in the subject play becomes his follower and is shocked to find out the harsh reality of the so called think tank. The play is an eye opener and has the universal appeal as most of the mother-tongues across the globe are facing the grave threat. The survival and revival of these language predominantly rests on the shoulders of those who have “their own agenda”.
More Place Needed
The reference of prolific Dogri litterateur, Ved Rahi authenticates the courage shown by the author Rajeshwar Raju in penning down a story revolving around such “gangs” quite active in the literary field, posing as the true voice for their mother- tongue Dogri. However it seems that Raju is less worried about the favours and always courageous to pen down the harsh realities.
Explore Possibilities
Both these plays are very well written and carry all the elements to make a theatre play a charming lessons of life. It has all the potential for a creative director to work on with an instinct and give different shades in every performance. The themes of the plays are the concerns of modern times and are easy to connect with the theatre lovers. The dialogues are realistic, easy to deliver thus leaving an impact on the spectators and readers. These plays offer an opportunity/challenge to the directors to use all tools at their disposal to present a vibrant and memorable theatre production because these scripts, which are the soul of any theatre production, need be explored on stage with all creative input and performance having a universal appeal.
Published by Maya Sansar Publications, Jammu and printed at Raplica Press, New Delhi, the book under review has a very attractive cover designed by Mrinalini Singh and priced at Rs 400. I think it is a good reading for common readership and the youth.
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