Dilip Guha, New Delhi: “Theatre Platform” A progressive cultural organization of Delhi staged their much-awaited play ” Surjer Antim Kiran Theke Surjer Prothom Kiran Porjonto ” at the Muktadhara Auditorium of Banga Sanskarti Bhavan, New Delhi on Saturday 29th April 2023.
The group is basically a dramatic club established in 1995, begins it’s journey with Bengali plays like “Alakanandar Putro Konna” written by Manoj Mitra and “Ramrajjo” written by Purnendu Bhattacharya in its initial years. A few enthusiasts thought of contributing to the cause of uplifting society in some ways and gathered together to shape a platform to express their theatrical talent. Activities of the club were somehow suspended for a few years due to other preoccupations of its members and artists. But since 2009 it has geared up and produced notable plays in Delhi and other states of India. The club got registered on 8th March 2010.
The Group had also been awarded prizes in acting and scripting for various plays in National level competitions in Delhi and Allahabad. The group staged cultural events organized by various organizations and took part in different Musical Programs in and around Delhi.
As a well-disciplined and cultured group “Theatre Platform” sets its goal high in order to excel in the field of performing art, and the current production is one such outcome. This play is the Bengali version of the original Hindi play “Surya Ki Antim Kiran Se Surya Ki Pehli Kiran Tak” by leading Hindi litterateur and playwright Shri Surendra Verma ji and translated club member Bhaswati Ghosh. Directed by Purnendu Bhattacharya, who is a well-known actor and director of Delhi Stage. He is also a cinema and web series artist.
Sometime in the late 80s when Purnendu saw the performance of the play “Surya Ki Antim Kiran Se Surya Ki Pehli Kiran Tak” by NSD Repertory for the first time, the idea of staging the play in Bengali generated.
Talking about the making of the play with this reporter, the Director said “The idea converted into action after having a meeting with the playwright Shri Surendra Verma ji with the help of veteran director Shri Rajendra Nath ji. Surendra Verma ji asked us why we wanted to do the play and the answer was that we would like to show the strength of women in a male-dominated society, he gave us consent to go ahead.” “We finished the translation of the play with the help of club member Mrs.Bhaswati Ghosh who has already written a number of plays for us, and after assurance from renowned actor Shri Palash Das we finally started preparations to stage the play”.
The play was first published in 1975 and has been performed by a number of premier theatre institutes around India. The play is a full-length play in three acts and revolves around eight characters. But the main protagonists of the play are the characters of Mahatrika, Sheelavathi (the queen) played by Runa, Okaak (the king) played by Palash Das, and Pratyosh by Mr. Purnendu. Three lives are irrevocably altered as the sun sets and the moon rises.
The storyline of the play is based in the 10th century BC and revolves around Queen Sheelavathi and King Okaak of the Malla kingdom. King Okkaak is the most powerful ruler of the region. But the clouds of war are gathering as rumors of a concerted attack from several neighbouring kingdoms abound. A self-righteous but nervous Senate compels the heirless and impotent King to give his consent to Niyoug, wherein he sends his reluctant Queen against her wish, out into a horde of hopefuls to choose a surrogate husband for one night. The Play showcases the practice of “Niyoug” where the women who are not able to conceive are provided with a mate. The play proceeds with strong narrative dialogues focusing on the trauma of the King and the queen throughout the fateful night.
The struggle between individual and social values is the main crux of the play. The noticeable thing about the play is its cast. They not only resemble the actual people but also perform highly well Palash Das is a well-known actor in the Delhi theatre circle who plays the role of King Okaak in an outstanding ovation. His body language very much reflected the act of a King with aggression and passion.
Runa, is a well-known actress on the Delhi stage and has done the character role of Queen Sheelavathi. Her dialogue delivery, emotions, and facial expressions were excellent. She has got a nice stage presence too, especially noticed in the post’s dilemma and its ultimate decision.
Purnendu, a very popular among culture lovers and theatre buffs, who have been working in the theatre circuit and director of the play portrayed the character role of Pratyosh. Another talented artist Tandra as Mohotarika, supported well.
The play saw some impeccable performances by other artists as well who portrayed their characters well – Maitreyee as Protihari, Shankar as Mahamatto, Subash as Rajpurohit and Kusal as Mahabaladhikrit.
The play was a complete package with makeup and costume that was in line with the era displayed, and music and light that enhanced the overall audio-visual experience of the bygone era. The hard work of the total team, this play made it a great success and counted as another feather on the cap of Theatre Platform.
This play culminated with a message for women’s liberation, which is definitely a call of the time and appreciated by the houseful audience.