The Teacher

Professor Arvind and guru Dronacharya may belong to two different eras,but there is something strikingly common between them. Both are highly disciplined when it comes to tough practical decisions,yet they succumb and betray their own principles. Drawing a subtle comparison between the two is the Hindi play Ek Aur Dronacharya that will have its debut show in the city on August 3.

Based on the 2007-book Ek Aur Dronacharya by Shankar Shesh,the play is produced by city-based Natya Junction Group. Established in 2009,the group has to its credit plays like Andhdon Ka Hathi,Jeevan Ja Antim Chhor,Kuch To Karna Padega and Jeevan Ka Rangmanch in the past. “I had read the book in 2008 and was instantly struck by the thought of staging it. However,due to lack of resources and a proper team,things did not materialise ,” says Bikash Kumar Singh,director of the play. He adds that though there are references to Mahabharata in the play,overall it has a contemporary feel to it. “Since it is the first staging of the play,we have not modified the original story,” he says.

Singh sees Ek Aur Dronacharya as passing a harsh comment on corruption,which has permeated the society since ages with such strength that even idealists become its victims. “Ek Aur Dronacharya revolves around the story of professor Arvind,played by Umesh Dhoot,who cannot stick to his principles due to circumstances. Once,he witnesses the college president’s son trying to rape a girl called Anuradha. He saves the girl and reports the incident to the authorities. But the president threatens him that if he will not withdraw the complaint,the college will frame him in a case of money laundering. Scared,he succumbs to the pressure and withdraws his complaint,” says Singh. He adds that every time the professor encounters such an incident,the spirit of a person called Vimalendu – whom he holds in high regard – speaks to his conscience. Vimalendu,a character essayed by Singh himself,is a former professor of the same college who was killed in mysterious circumstances,owing to his disciplined and righteous nature. “Whenever professor Arvind is in a dilemma,Vimalendu gives him practical advice that he himself didn’t follow when he was alive. Acknowledging that he was a fool to not go by the ways of the world,Vimalendu cites the example of Dronacharya from the Mahabharata,” explains Singh.

With a reputation of staging experimental plays,Singh says most members of the group are IT professionals. “What binds us is the love for theatre,” he concludes.

(Ek Aur Dronacharya will be staged on August 3 at Bhimsen Joshi Kaladalan,Aundh at 5.30 pm)