A Sanskrit play which was written about a decade ago but keeps a relevance even today Hasya Chudamani was staged here on Tuesday at Antarang Hall, Bharat Bhavan.
The play Hasya Chudamani, originally written by Vatsaraj Virchit in the 12th century was performed by Vihaan Theatre Workers, Bhopal. Directed by Sourabh Anand, the play was performed in Bundeli style. It was translated into Hindi by Sangeeta Gundecha. This one-and-a-half hour play started with a theft at Kapatkeli’s house. She suspects her daughter’s lover Kalakarandak and visits an expert of Kevli art Gyanrashi to unearth the truth.
Gyanrashi did not earn fame and money on the basis of his art but by cheating and his follower Kaudinya knows that. After Kapatkeli’s complaint, he sends his servants Kokil and Parawat with her to find out the truth and collect the stolen money. Meanwhile he also pays a visit to Kapatkeli’s house with Kaudinya and they both fall for her daughter Madansundari. Gyanrashi tries to attract her by chanting a mantra with her name.
The story then takes a different turn when Kaudinya recites the mantra and replaces Madansundari’s name with that of her mother. When servants Kokil and Parawat return to the ashram and learn about Gyanrashi’s act of attracting a lady, they thrash him. The story ends when Kalakarandak visits the ashram to save his guru Gyanrashi and proves his innocence. The play comprised of eight artists where actors bagged special appreciation for their flawless acts and beautiful expressions.
The play narrated about the prevailing society in a comical manner. The wondrous use of different stage craft and techniques made the play even more interesting. Moreover the use of props, tuneful music, and dance and above all the matured acting skills of the artists the show managed to bring smiles to audience. As the rib tickling situations takes place one after the other the audience burst out laughing.
