The 14th Rang Alaap Theatre Fest concluded with a tale of the sacrifice of a mother to secure the future of her child. A solo play Naurangi Natni was staged here on Monday at Shaheed Bhavan Auditorium marking the grand closure of the weeklong theatre fest. Directed and conceptualised by Rajendra Joshi, the play was performed by Vibha Rani, Mumbai.
Based on a folk tale, the play is woven through folk elements of Mithila, such as Pamariya naach, lori, boli, custom, rituals, songs and dance along with highly theatrical experiments. Natni, the street performer is very pretty, talented and famous with a huge following. Naurangi Raja the pompous king hears about the Natni and wishes to see her act. His Ministers warn him not to indulge with lowly people. But King is curious to witness the bewitching act which has mesmerized his people. The thanedaar goes to convey the king’s message to Natni and is unsettled by her beauty. Natni is a chaste lady, dedicated to her man and infant child. Thanedaar assures her the King is benevolent and a visit to him will yield profitable results for her. Natni agrees to meet Naurangi.
Naurangi asks her to dance on swords and broken glasses. Natni completes the feat. Naurangi is not impressed. He then tells her to walk a rope tied across three mountains to the dome of his palace with her child tied to her back. If she manages, the King would give half of his kingdom to the Natni’s Son. The feat is scary and risky. But the reward is too big. Natni, is hopeful that her son will become king. And she takes up the challenge. What happens next, forms rest of the story. The play was much enjoyed by the audience. The artists added life to the character and even the music used in the play added zest in the performance.