Medea8217;s revenge ends in tragedy

CHANDIGARH, June 18: That tragedy happens not only to kings or royals, but also to the common man was the main idea behind Umesh Kant8217;s Hindustani version of the Euripedes8217; Greek tragedy quot;Medeaquot;. The play revolves around a woman who betrays her family, and even goes to the extent of killing her own brother, to elope with her lover. Balpreet plays this pivotal role. But what makes this woman take such a step? It is because her husband Jason deserts her for another woman. The first few years of the marriage have been shown to be smooth. The subsequent course of events are moved by her desire to take revenge on her husband, so that he should realise the wrong done to her. As she laments her fate the chorus representing the angels of God come to her rescue.

When all her hopes of a happy marriage are dashed away, the Emperor of Athens, who is childless, appears on the scene and asks her what is wrong. When Medea narrates her tale of woe to him, he promises to help her if she comes to his country on her own, because if he takes her along he would be punished.

She decides to kill her two daughters and leave the country 8212; she has been banished 8212; because she thinks if she leaves her daughters with Jason and his second wife, they would not be treated well. But strangely she is generous with the other woman8217; and presents her with a beautiful dress. When her rival wears the dress she gets killed. Then events happen one after another: She even goes to the extent of killing her own kids to save them from the clutches of her wicked husband for which both the angels and her husband condemn her. And her purpose of making her husband repent his misdeeds ends with this act of hers.

Balraj Pandit, a noted theatre personality, was the chief guest on the occasion and the play will again be staged at Tagore Theatre tomorrow at 7:15 pm.