Shadow Correspondent
jammu, Apr, 29
On the third day of the ongoing 11th Natrang Theatre Festival in connection with the celebrations of Natrang’s 35 glorious years, Natrang presented Sadat Hassan Manto’s ‘Karwat’ directed by Neeraj Kant, at its Studio Theatre here in Kachi Chawni, Jammu. Natrang has been organising a Theatre Festival of four plays every month since last twelve months in commemoration with the celebrations of 35 eventful years of Natrang. In his welcome address, Natrang Director Balwant Thakur informed that Natrang has already created a record in the country by showcasing 40 major different plays by the same group in a period of eleven months. He complimented all actors, directors and technicians of Natrang associated with the holding of such historic Natrang Theatre Festivals. Natrang has not only provided the audience a chance to witness the different plays of highly social & artistic relevance but also has added to their creative and intellectual repository by staging the literary works of the most celebrated writers of the world.
In the play, one ‘Miyan Ji’ is shown as a very empathetic person, who cares for the people around him and wants to make the society better. One day he invites a prostitute who has recently shifted to his neighbourhood to dine with his family on the pretext that, if given respect and compassion, anyone can change his mind and become a better human being. Everyone was surprised at his decision but he was sure of the positive outcome. But to his surprise, ‘Sona Bai’ bluntly refused his invitation and on his persistent requests, she insulted him in front of his family. After a few days, she felt guilty on her action and approaches ‘Miyan Ji’ for forgiveness, she also leaves her profession and decides to leave the locality.
At this point, Miyan shows his true colours, he wanted her to leave the profession because he himself wanted to have a relation with her and was jealous of the people around her. This was very shocking for her as her faith on the goodness of the people was broken, resultantly she started her profession once again. The play ‘Karwat’, in a very precise manner depicted the shrewdness of the so called noble people who have a hidden agenda under the clad of their nobleness.
The artists who participated in the play included Meenakshi Bhagat, Udit Sagar, Chahat Katyal, Bhrigu Sharma, Aastha Sharma, Vrinda Sharma and Chirag Anand.The lights of the play were executed by Neeraj Kant and music was scored by Sushant Singh Charak. The presentation was done by Manoj Kumar Lalotra and the show was coordinated by Mohd Yaseen.
On the last day of 11th Natrang Theatre Festival, Hindi play ‘Hawalaat’ written by Sarveshwar Dayal Sexana will be presented on 30th of April, 2019 under the direction of Neeraj Kant.
