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Journalism of Courage
It’s a spectacle that has been revisited and reinvented. William Shakespeares The Tempest is the annual production of the Department of Indian Theatre,being staged at the indoor theatre of the department. Directed by Mahendra Kumar,the theatre has been magically transformed into an island,complete with underground tunnels,tree barks,hillocks and various entries for actors. It has taken Kumar and his students two months of relentless work to create the entire set,elaborate costumes and lighting for a unique effect.
This is a play that is usually not attempted and it was a challenge that I posed to myself, smiles Kumar,who believes in taking up new subjects. Kumar translated the play into Hindustani,with the language being essentially Urdu,for that is more theatrical. The compulsions of working on such a play,considering the constraints of space and funds,Kumar wanted to accommodate all students in the production and also keep in mind that the play gives them a chance to use and hone their training in theatre.
Excellent make-up,voice quality,lights to create the illusion of fire,gaps from where actors just springing a surprise,ramps for the actors to connect with the audience,costumes that are rich… attention to the minutest detail has been given. Twenty-five actors play their parts to perfection and the main roles are performed by three actors. The music,too,goes with the flow and Kumar has used subtle humour to provide comic relief.
The toughest part was translating the script,but remaining sincere to the script and keeping the essence intact and creating it all from scratch. I have presented it all a new avatar,including the characterisation, says Kumar. The use of masks,lights and live music are some of the highlights of the play,with the sound of thunder,the shine of costumes,the lyrical dialogue of the slaves,their entry all being perfectly timed. The play holds your attention throughout the two hours,with the climax scenes leaving you asking for more.
The play will be staged at the Department of Indian Theatre 6.30 pm till February 7.
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