Words in Motion

It’s a search for the self…as verses take the story on stage to express every woman’s innermost feelings. Poet Simrat Gagan and theatre actor,director Mandip Kaur have come together to create Panj Ishq,a play that delves deep into the various relationships a woman lives and in the process,loses a part of her. The essence of the story comes from Simrat’s two poetry collections in Punjabi,Panj Ishq and Tasbi,celebration of grief,pain,sorrows and her poetic thoughts spring from the space beyond mind. “There were many poems of varied subjects,and Mandip chose the ones which were relevant to the thought of the play and put them in continuity. Female foeticide,a woman’s emotional exploitation,her struggle to find herself,be an individual…it’s a deep process,’’ Simrat says writing these poems was also not easy,“I was asked,why do I need to put it all down so blatantly.’’ The play depicts various phases in a woman’s life,her role as a daughter,sister,lover,wife and how playing these parts to perfection,she still craves for love,which she does not get. “It’s all about first finding and loving yourself first,’’ Mandip adds the play also presents a man’s perspective towards love and the intricate course of human relationships.

Poetry,music,dance…Mandip’s first play as a director has it all and it’s a role she’s both excited and nervous about. On the stage as an actor for the past 17 years,Mandip feels confident to use her long experience now as a director. “I’m also acting in the play and yes,it’s sometimes tough to cope with both the roles,but it presents a new challenge,’’ Mandip agrees the sensitive theme was easier to express through poetry.

The play will be staged on Wednesday,September 30,at Punjab Kala Bhavan,Sector 16,at 6.30 pm.