Reflection of life

Theatre enthusiasts in Pune can relish the Bengali drama, which is being presented by the Pune-based cultural organisation Dishari for the theatre lovers.

8220;It is a play within a play8221;, says Surya Sengupta the writer and director of Kasthi Pathar. Giving an insight of the play he says, 8220;Kasthi Pathar is the goldsmith8217;s stone that ascertains the purity of gold, but do we have anything like that to ascertain integrity and honesty of human beings? This drama deals with intricate aspect of humans like self-criticism, the human conscious and introspection. The protagonist of the play has to deal with the pressures and anxieties that are faced by every individual in real life. The characters are true to life and the audience will be able to identify with them and their circumstances.8221;

The play deals with multifaceted questions on human morality and scruples.It has seven male and one female character. The characters in the play are part of a typical Bengali theatre group Nabanna, who are preparing to stage a play called Kashtipathor. The play within the play deals with the story of a poor peasant8217;s eldest daughter, Malvati, who is sold by her father. The father is lured with money and a promise that his daughter will get a job. The father has no other option as he has six daughters to feed.

In the outer play, a middle class girl, Deepa, is to play the character of Malvati. She can identify with the character as it has a striking similarity to her real life. Thus starts the question, about right and wrong, about human immorality and principles. Can we test ourselves with something like the Kashtipathor?

The outer play and the inner play are beautifully intertwined to bring out the subtle message that the play wants to give out to its audience.

The play will also be staged in the Ganga Jamuna International Drama Festival, the 11th International drama festival in Kolkata, on 28 and 29 December 2008.

Samiran Bhowmik, Dishari member, says, 8220;The taste of Puneites for good plays is well known, so we chose Pune to be our Kashti Pathar and we are thus calling this show as a final rehearsal before we take the play to Kolkata. Participation of all the patrons is an essential feature. Their constructive criticism is valued. It will enable us to refine our production so that we can make the necessary improvements when we take the show to Kolkata for the International Drama Festival. Surya Sengupta says, 8220;Dishari makes it a point to present relevant cultural plays with a message. The plays always reflect reality.8221;

The play will be staged today at Balgandarva Rangamandir Auditorium at 8:00 pm.