Lessons of war

Playwright Feroz Abbas Khan on how Ratan Thiyams play Chakravyuh was a learning experienceAt a cultural function hosted in Mumbai in 1982,I had gone to watch Chakravyuh.a play by Manipuri playwright Ratan Thiyam. I was completely blown over by what I saw. Even though the play was in Manipuri,I found it had the energy to captivate an audience unfamiliar with the language for over two hours. Thiyam had directed the play which narrates a classic episode from Mahabharata. It tells the story of Arjuns son,Abhimanyu and the dilemma he faces as he ascends to heaven. Abhimanyu asks himself whether he has been a martyr or a scapegoat. The highlight of the narrative was the visualisation of Thiyam as he infused traditional Manipuri martial arts and modern sensibilities in telling the story.

The combination of choreography,lights and music created a stunning visual presentation about the tale of Abhimanyu. It was sheer poetry in motion. The idea behind his play is still relevant today as stories of violence still abound.
After a few years,I had a chance to meet Thiyam. I had invited him to the Prithvi Theatre Festival in 1985. There,I saw Chakravyuh for the second time and several times after that. There lies a lesson in this play for all playwrights in telling a story despite the language barriers. Theatre is not just people sitting and talking. It is about engaging an audience emotionally and conveying a complex story in a simplistic manner.

I take inspiration from this play and always think of it whenever I am telling a complex story. The concept of presentation is crucial whenever one is making a play and watching Thiyams work is a learning experience. When I was directing the adaptation of The Royal Hunt of the Sun,a complex story about the Incas,I took strength from Thiyams play. It proved to be a lucky charm. My play was a huge success.