Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 25: History was created today for Dogri language and culture when its first ever play ‘Ghumayee’ featured in Theatre Olympics 2018.
The historic occasion was the staging of internationally acclaimed Dogri play ‘Ghumayee’ (written and directed by Balwant Thakur) at Murari Lal Mehta Auditorium, Varanasi in 8th Theatre Olympics.
Organized by National School of Drama, New Delhi, ‘Ghumayee’ has already brought laurels and acclaim from all over the world for its highly innovative style of presentation, which is deeply rooted in the cultural soil of Duggar land.
‘Ghumayee” is a play based on Dogri folk tale of a hilly village and opens with ‘Vidai’ scene after the solemnization of marriage and the 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.
During the ensuing discussions, the groom in an insolent tone bets away his bride in lieu of water. Thus begins the struggle for water. The young man, putting his life in extreme danger, overcomes all hurdles and ultimately succeeds in bringing the water. As bride quenches her thirst, the young man falls dead, out of sheer exhaustion.
In stunned atmosphere, ‘Baraties’ decide to continue with the journey but ‘Dulhan’ refuses to do so. She 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.
The lead actors of the play were Vikrant Sharma, Anil Tickoo and Gauri Thakur, and they were supported by other actors. The soulful music of the play was composed by Brij Mohan and Suraj Singh. The lights of the play was designed and executed by Ankush Lakhnotra whereas the audiography of the play was designed and executed by Mohd Yaseen.
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