The theatre buffs of the city were enthralled to watch the vibrant culture of the tribes of the State on stage.
At the curtain raiser of seven day Madhya Pradesh Rangotsav 2015, a play ‘Arnay Gaatha’ was staged here on Friday at Antarang Hall, Bharat Bhavan. The students of Madhya Pradesh School of Drama splendidly performed the play depicting the vibrant culture and tales of Gond, Baiga, Agriya and Pradhan tribes.
Written by Alekh Bhushan Bhatt the play was directed by Kanhaiya lal Kaithwas. Interestingly, the students lived with these tribes at Baigachak region for 12 days to get acquainted with the life style, and art and culture of theirs.
The story is a folk which is popular among these tribes. Notably, most of the times, at festivals and weddings, these tribes perform the popular folk tales for their entertainment and this story is one of them.
It is love story laxman and Bijal Kanya. laxman is in love with Bijal Kanya and wants to marry her. After knowing their love for each other, Bijal Kanya’s father asks laxman to stay at their home for a time period as a slave. laxman agrees to do so as he was truly in love with Bijal Kanya and wanted to marry her.
After 12 years, impressed with the loyalty and dedication for his love, Bijal Kanya’s father agrees to get them both married. At the time of Bijal Kanya’s bidaai her father makes her sit in a brass box and tells laxman to open it only after reaching home. laxman doubts her father’s intention and opens the box. Immediately Bijal Kanya flies off from the box only never to return leaving laxman in remorse.
The play was much loved by the audience. The mixed language of different tribes made the play appear even more zestful. The music and the light design made the play even more interesting to watch.