The play defining the different faces of conceit ‘Birjees Qadar Ka Kumba’ was staged here on Wednesday.
Directed by a noted theatre playwright KG Trivedi, the play is adapted by Raghuvir Sahay. Wondrously staged by the artists of Trikarshi theatre group, on Wednesday the play was at Antarang Hall, Bharat Bhavan.
Being an Urdu adaptation of a Spanish play ‘The House of Bernarda Alba’ by a Spanish writer and poet Federico Garcia lorca, the play is set in Islamic backdrop with a huge caste ensemble of women actors.
A classic saga of repression, rebellion, love, rivalry between the siblings, loyalty, intrigue, betrayal, the different faces of conceit as shown by the various characters at different times, the depravity and the divinity of lust, a struggle between the natural instincts of man and the boundaries imposed by society, the dominion and suppression of woman over woman, the likes of which have seldom been seen on stage yet.
The stage opens to the house of Birjees Qadar, the matriarch of the clan who has just buried her second husband. She declares an eight year long period of mourning for the survivors, namely her five daughters, the maidservants and Birjees mother Akhtari Begum, a woman with an undefeated lust for life in her strong and willful heart. Birjees Qadar rules the household with an iron fist. So, the entire story goes around her and her governing state in the house.
Featuring an all female cast, this play is much more than just a play about women. It is the depiction of human within, often being inhuman and sometimes acts like an animal.
“The play is set in an Islamic household, but the themes of oppression and struggle are universal and would hold true for any society throughout history. And yet, there is more. Many more layers to be uncovered and many more faces to be unveiled,” says the director.
The play was a mesmerizing treat for the theatre buffs of the city.
As there was tragedy, tradition, class reputation, prejudice and much more in the play. The great acting skills and the almost perfect direction added zest to the play.