Scenes from the life of one of the foremost leaders of Indian freedom struggle Abul Kalam Ghulam Muhiyuddin, popularly known as Maulana Azad, were staged through an Urdu play - ‘Maulana Azad Ki Yaad Mein’.
Marking the second last day of Adi Vidrohi Drama Festival, the play Maulana Azad Ki Yaad Mein was staged at Antarang Hall, Bharat Bhavan here on Sunday. Directed by Mohammad Sayeed Alam, the play was presented by Pierrot’s Troupe, New Delhi.
Featuring veteran actor Tom Alter, the play focuses on the life of Maulana Azad and how he contributed to the Indian freedom struggle.
Notably, he was also a renowned scholar, and poet. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was well versed in many languages viz. Arabic, English, Urdu, Hindi, Persian and Bengali. Azad was a brilliant debater, as indicated by his name, Abul Kalam, which literally means “lord of dialogue” He adopted the pen name Azad as a mark of his mental emancipation from a narrow view of religion and life.
The play begins featuring the childhood of Maulana Azad eventually taking the audience forward to peep into his younger days. Events from Azad’s life were beautifully narrated by Tom Alter who played the role of old Maulana Azad remembering the life incidents made the play even more impactful.
The swapping from one narration to another was done wondrously managing to maintain the interest of the audience watching the show. Maulana Azad is still remembered for his great contribution in the Indian freedom struggle through Khilafat Moment and through his education. The play was written and presented as a tribute to Maulana Azad.
The fade in and out kind of light design added moods in the scenes.
Moreover, clear and apt dialogue delivery and the sensible use of stage craft added more charm in the play leaving the audience mesmerised.