Review

Winsome threesome

DIWAN SINGH BAJELI

Mohan Rakesh Natya Samaroh featured some sensitive plays focusing mostly on women – their importance and exploitation.
Imaginatively designed A scene from “Dilli Jo Ek Shahar Tha”.
The three-day Mohan Rakesh Natya Samaroh organised by Sahitya Kala Parishad, Delhi, is a significant step to discover fresh talent in the field of Hindi playwriting. Over the years, this annual festival has been evoking tremendous response from theatre lovers as well as from young playwrights to see the award-winning plays selected through an All-India competition organised by the Parishad. Through this competition, started in 1982, some plays like “Taj Mahal Ka Tender” and “Court Martial” were discovered and ever since these are being frequently seen on the stage.
The festival opened with “Dilli Jo Ek Shahar Tha” written by Danish Iqbal, who has distinguished himself in many creative fields like theatre, film, television and script writing. Directed by Bharti Sharma, a graduate from National School of Drama and well known for her sensitive stage direction and acting, the play deals with the ignominious defeat of Nasir-ud-Din Muhammad Shah at the hands of Nadir Shah followed by the massacre of the people of Delhi and indiscriminate plunder of the royal treasury. As the play unfolds the rise and fall of Muhammad Shah, its focus centres on the treachery of subedars and military chieftains and court intrigues that are responsible for the defeat of the emperor. In contrast, Noor, an accomplished courtesan who loves the emperor for his humane qualities and patronage for art and culture, displays rare courage and unshakable loyalty for the defeated emperor. In her confrontation with the conqueror she inflicts moral defeat on him and refuses to surrender to the lust of the brutal invader.
A properly constructed dramatic piece, the dialogue, especially in the scene that shows the confrontation between Noor and Nadir Shah, is at its dramatic best. Deep Kumar as Nadir Shah is brilliantly cast. As soon as he enters the scene the production acquires dramatic momentum. Bharti Sharma as Noor gives a convincing performance. As Noor she faces Nadir Shah with dignity and courage. Mohit Tripathi's Nasir-ud-Din Muhammad Shah is alcoholic but he retains his sanity, common sense and appreciation of the arts.