The folk play ‘Sayyian Bhaye Kotwal’ was staged here on Sunday at Antarang Hall Bharat Bhavan marking the fourth day of 25th Iftekhar Theatre Festival. Written by a renowned Marathi writer Vasant Sabris it is one of the famous marathi folk play Vichha Majhi Puri Kara, and later translated in Hindi by Usha Banerjee known as Saiyyan Bhaye Kotwal.
Directed by Ashok Bulani the play was presented by the artists of Rang Samuh Theatre Group. It was designed for urban viewers while keeping the rural punches intact.
The play follows the format of Maharashtrian Folk Tamasha. The story is of a king and his scheming prime minister. Following the death of the administrative head - the kotwal, the Prime Minister promptly fills the coveted post with his inept and undeserving brother-in-law. As per the hierarchy, the present Havaldar ought to have been promoted to that post. The wronged Havaldar along with his sweetheart Mainavati plans to frame the new Kotwal.
Mainavati, who is a dancer, works her charms on the Kotwal and then beseeches him to fulfill her numerous wishes (hence the name, Vichha Majhi Puri Kara). She orders him to bring her the king`s ring, chain and finally the king`s four-poster bed (chhapri palang) - which he does. The play brings out the political undercurrents of nepotism. Its slapstick comedy and wit has a lasting appeal on the audience. Then what happens when the ruler himself becomes ignorant and undeserving and how the Havaldar takes revenge from Kotwal was worth watching.
This folk drama brings to fore the rampant political injustice through witty repartee and comical situations. It has the format of Folk form Tamasha with live music and laavni to add up to the flavour of this play. The audience enjoyed the show whole heartedly. Not only this, but the play managed to maintain the interest of the audience.