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Journalism of Courage
Taking a light-hearted look at a serious issue,The Courtesan and the Monk (Bhagwad-Ajjuke) marks Rani Balbir Kaurs comeback to theatre after a five-year hiatus. A theatre production was long-pending,but personal issues needed to be sorted out,so the long break. Now Im revived and happy. The food of my soul is theatre and an artist has to be honest towards every aspect of life, smiles the director,immersed in the rehearsals for the opening show on April 19.
Kaurs last production,Waqt Ne Kiya Kya Hasin Sitam,was based on Kaifi Azmis writings. And this time she chose a seventh century Sanskrit text,translated in Hindi by Nemi Chandra Jain. It is set in a stylised form that draws from the ancient tradition of Sanskrit drama,and is an intellectual comedy,that makes a profound statement on todays erosion of spiritual values, says the versatile theatre director,singer,actress,teacher.
The play is layered with rich,live classical music,chants,rituals and dramatic delineation that celebrates our glorious heritage of classical Indian drama. Its been totally gratifying, says Kaur.
The play revolves around a Buddhist monk and a courtesan whose souls are mistakenly exchanged by Yamdoot the God of death. There is also a disciple who has taken up religious practice for free food,yet he never gets enough to eat. The play argues,in a comic vein,about our true identity. Is our identity the visible and tangible being or the internal being which cannot be seen or touched? The disciple,who is always mocking his guru,is not interested in the scriptures and doesnt believe in many values,representing the youth of today, says Kaur.
The play tries to reach out to a wide audience and drives home the point that our true identity is our inner self. In the times of material accomplishments the play is a thought-provoking piece of dramatic writing, promises Kaur,who plans to travel with the play and give her repertory Folk Theatre Workshop a new lease of life. Sheis planning to rope in film and television actors for the project.
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