It would’nt be wrong to say that the Theatre scene in India is completely different to one witness’s abroad. In other countries, theatre has proper rehearsals from 10 am to 6 pm, which just does not happen in our country. Here, nobody can afford to do only theatre. For most people involved, it’s more of a hobby to which they try to devote their evenings to. A theatre artiste here cannot afford to give the kind of time because the medium does not pay. However the money factor has yet not managed to dampen the high sprits, passion and creativity involved in this art.

In 2004, I had the opportunity of watching a Hindi play “Shakkar Ke Paanch Daane” at Prithiv Theatre. A simple, one man show but something that will surely leave a lasting impression and make you think about the choices you made/make in your own life. The play does not highlight an issue, but merely discusses the life of the central character Rajkumar. The best bit is the whole approach taken towards showcasing the act. The play, which begins with a poem, does not have a conventional beginning, middle or end. Throughout the play, Rajkumar only talks about his life.

‘Shakkar Ke Paanch Daane’ gained immense popularity among many Theatre festivals and shows across India. And this year, the group has been asked to be a part of the first ever Theatre Utsav at Mumbai festival, which will be held from January 13 and 19 and again from January 23 to 27.

I would really recommend all theatre lovers to go watch this play and I guarantee that you won’t be disappointed.

Here is some more information regarding ‘Shakkar Ke Paach Daane’.

Cast And Credit

Name Of Group : Aranya

Writer & Director : Manav Kaul.

Performed By : Kumud Mishra.

Produced By : Tushar Raut.

Sound : Seneca Mendonca.

Light : Bijohn Mondal.

Production : Sanjay Daditch.

Duration : 1 hour 20 minutes without an Interval.

Language : Hindi.

Synopsis

Understanding is a fountain of life, to those who have it! Yet, it is the realisation of this simple truth that stays out of reach for most of us. The dilemma for our protagonist(Rajkumar) arises when he unwittingly takes on a journey for which he thinks, he is not equipped to handle. Self-declaring himself to be a simpleton all his life, he under values his own thoughts but through the course of his search for a solution to a predicament, he begins to discover an innate need to be heard.

He begins to draw inspiration from the only five people in his existence. The chin stubble growing, action orientated movies influenced mother(Ma),the struggling to write decent poetry uncle(Pundalic), the tight red shirt attired, boot wearing school hero(Raghu), the Gandhi influenced old man(Radhe) and the anonymous(”Truckwala dost”).

Together they infuse in him a spirit to overcome all the set backs that occur during his quest without any expectations about the final outcome, Rajkumar soon comprehends that life is not a destination, which we arrive at, but rather a feeling that we need to get in touch with.

Show Dates, Timings and Venue

15th Jan 2006 - 4.00 pm at P L Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy (Ravindra Natya Mandir), Prabhadevi.

22nd Jan 2006 - 6.00 pm and 9.00 pm at Prithiv Theatre, Juhu.

If you require any further details, I would be glad to help. You can either mail me or leave your query in the comment section.

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