The theatre lovers of the city witnessed the purity and trueness of Saint Kabir, in a Hindi play ‘Kabira Khada Bazaar Mein’. The play was presented at Shaheed Bhavan here on Monday.

The play marked the first day of the two day theatre festival 7th Anjay Smriti Samaroh. Directed by Nizam Patel, the play has been taken from a story, written by a noted novelist and playwright Bhishm Sahani. It was performed by the artists of Hum Theatre Troupe.

Began with one of the famous doha of Kabir, “Kabira khada bazaar mein, Mange sabki khair, Na kahu se Dosti, Na kahu se Bair” the play traces some events in his life and the prevailing social conditions that shaped his thoughts and actions. His sharp intellect, rationality, undaunted courage and command over the spoken word gave him the unique power to communicate with the common people. He was a people’s poet and sang from his heart.

The play focused on how Kabir tells the common folk to realise that God dwells within each one of us and, thus, not to mistreat other human beings, but treat them with dignity and love.

Beautifully sung by an impressive chorus and performers in the style of opera, it is inspired by folk tunes of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Uttarakhand. Some verses are recited. These verses logically and cohesively form the part of the narrative which captures the life and times of the poor Muslim weaver, Kabir. Through his verses, he condemns the rigid caste system perpetuated by the Brahminical social and religious order and the futility of idol worship.

Though peaceful, the ruling classes become his enemies. But, his followers are convinced of his philosophy that all men are equal.

All the artists of the play maintained to capture the attention of the audiences at each event that was played on stage. The theatre-goers of the city enjoyed the play whole heartedly.