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Dr. Harcharan Singh’s Mann Dia Mann Vich,about a woman’s status in society and her revolt,is the next in line. Balwant Gargi’s immense contribution in the ’60s will be honoured through the staging of his Abhisarika,followed by Gaumukha-Shermukha by Gurcharan Singh Jasuja. The revolution in Punjabi theatre by Gursharan Singh is celebrated with his play Sukha Base Maskeeniyan,which deals with the clash of ideologies between two generations. “He took theatre to people’s homes in rural areas and its impact is felt to date,” says Sahib,who chooses to close the festival with his play Yudh Ate Budh,which is based on the Kashmir issue.

“While rehearsing for the plays,we discovered how people lived a slow pace of life back then,so the plays too were simple. As we drew towards the ’90s,the ‘rush hour’ came to the fore through a change in techniques of writing and staging. The themes and their treatment became complex,” says Sahib,adding that the second phase of the festival will see another five plays being staged.

The festival ends with a seminar to discuss “100 years of Punjabi Theatre”,with scholars and theatre persons from all over India participating in it. “Apart from the achievements and possibilities of 100 years of Punjabi plays,we will have a session dedicated to Balraj Sahni,with his niece sharing letters and memories of the actor,” says Sahib.

Adakariyan is on at Government College,Sector 46,Chandigarh,till June 23

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