The play is based on Mahatma Gandhi's ideology and its presence in the post-independence scenario ‘Gandhi Ne Kaha Tha’ was staged at Madhya Pradesh State Tribal Museum on Friday. The play was performed under the regular series of theatre ‘Abhinayan’.Directed by Vishnu Jha, the play was performed by the artists of Mukhauta Kala Manch, Guna. The play surrounds the life of the protagonist named Tarkeshwar Pandey.
Tarkeshwar’s only child is killed in the communal riots. Mahatma Gandhi advised him to raise a Muslim orphan but the situation changes and disorientation in the child's life. He is somehow influenced by the terrorists and spreads violence in the society, but when he discovers to the reality of the riots, and then he realizes his mistake and his thinking and conviction towards truth, nonviolence changes.
He understands that this fight is not between Hindus and Muslims, but wrong thoughts of humans, which should be stopped. The play tries to delve into questions about the ideology carried forward by the man who is popularly known as the father of the nation. It also throws insights on non-violence and its relevance in the contemporary India- the very same India which is unfortunately infested by communal, religious, and ethnic biases and hatred.
According to the director, “Violence is always lost to non-violence, whatever the situation, but the truth never dies. If a child is born then he is born as a normal person. He does not understand anything, he learns only what is taught and explained. He is trapped in the fabric of human beings, which we give to the religion sects. The story of the play also presents such a similar image.