A fitting encore

Mahanirwan, a play written 25 years ago, by noted playwright Satish Alekar, has carved a niche for itself as a world classic. Its perform...

Mahanirwan, a play written 25 years ago, by noted playwright Satish Alekar, has carved a niche for itself as a world classic. Its performances, still draw large crowds to the theatre halls to experience this master piece, which stirred a controversy when it was initially staged. The play was first staged on November 22, 1974 at the Bharat Natya Mandir, by the Theatre Academy and now again the play is back, for a performance at the same place exactly 25 years later. The play retains most of its original cast, who promise to display the same vigour that the play demanded, despite the fact that they have climbed the ladder of age.

The Theatre Academy has geared up to make this occasion a homecoming, rich in experiences, expectations and rekindled memories. Mahanirwan The final journey after death written in the classical music-prose style, minces no words as it lashes out at the customs and traditions, which beset our society even today. Zeroing in on one such 8211; the elaborate ceremony which follow a person8217;s death, to ensure his place in the celestial world.

The play makes a telling comment at the forced and at times needless activities which accompany it. While what the play said was probably true, through usually ignored,but it stirred a hornet8217;s nest. Apart from the usual presentation, it laid bare various human emotions and relationships, whose authenticity was questioned. A brilliant script, the right choice of words, laudable co-ordination between the spoken word, actions and musical scores adds that charm, which even today enthralls the audience.

Even as on a superficial level it condemns these rituals, an undercurrent strips bare the degradation of human attitudes as greed, hatred,lust, fear and uncertainty compete with each other. Shrikant Gadre of the original cast who will perform again opines 8220;I remember when we first read the script 25 years ago, it was difficult to decipher. So intense were its ramifications, that we doubted if it would stand trial infront of the fastidious Pune audience. But it has proved its mettle. Performing it again has been an exciting experience. However we were slightly apprehensive whether the new generation would understand the references. The responses then, and even now has been overwhelming which is rewarding.8221;

Actor Vidhyadhar Bapat feels,8220;The play is an experience in itself. It is fascinating how a topic as morbid as death, close to us but still ignored, is scrutinized in such depth. True, that it takes on the hue of satire, but the implied seriousness was an eye-opener and disturbed me a lot.8221;Renowned playwright, Dr. Shekhar Phansalkar who considers Satish Alekar his own inspiration, points out that, 8220;As the play progresses, a feeling of closeness to the subject is felt, and one tends to stop and ponder about it.

Death is taken for granted, but never do we come to terms with it. Watching projects newer dimensions while expressing human emotions and relations, explicitly. It is not a play about or against the braminical rituals, but about attitudes. It is an incomparable masterpiece with the distinct flavour of the Satish Alekar style of writing.8221;

Opinions from a cross-section of theatre persons, elicits only praise for this play, with little negativity to stain its brilliance, making it a must see. The play will be staged at 7 p.m. on November 22 at the Bharat Natyamandir. Ajay c Joshi.