Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 18: Natraj Natya Kunj (NNK) today performed its nationally acclaimed dogri play ‘Agni Barkha’ at Abhinav Theatre Jammu.
Directed by Abhishek Bharti, this Play is a theatrical adaptation of India’s foremost playwright Girish Karnad’s play “The Fire and The Rain” by Kumar A ‘Bharti’. This is the first time when any of Girish Karnad’s play has been adapted into Dogri Lanuage. Basically drawn from Aranya Parava of the Mahabharata, this moral parable is redefined and recreated by a creative person with profound insight into an epic tale which reflects modern sensibility.
What makes the play more significant is that the main characters are complex, intricate with intense hatred for their arch-rival. They all suffer from feverish mental agony and experience bitterness because of their inability to realize their ambition. Another significant aspect of the play is that various thematic strands and diabolically conflicting world views are woven into the fabric of power game played ruthlessly by the Brahmins.
The Play designed along with elements of ingenious cultural tradition, not only provided a classical setting to the production but also enliven the well crafted theatrical situations and moments. Cleaver use of element of mime, rhythmic body movements, groupings with a unique mix of folk and classical background music which stood out for chanting of Sanskrit shlokas, alaaps as well as crescendos, drum beats-all emerged as impressive tools of the eclectic theatre language adapted for the play. On stage Team Included Mukesh Bakshi, Surbhi Balg-otra, Akshay Razdan, Aman Sharma, Niharika Shakshi, Abhishek Sharma, Kanav Sharma, Vishal Pandita, Karan Mehra, Hema Shivgotra, Tejan Bharti, Shubhangi Dhamir, Aakash Sharma. Back stage team comprised of: Make up – Shammi Dhamir, Choreography – Romit Sawhney, Costumes- Sonia Dubey, Assistant Director and Lights -Aaditya Bharti and Music, Design and Direction – Abhishek Bharti.