What happens when an elephant dies untimely and meets the God of death Yamaraaj, was an interesting tale for the Bhopal theatre buffs to watch. On Tuesday a play Jam leela was staged at Antarang Hall, Bharat Bhavan. Penned and directed by renowned writer, poet and critic from Rajasthan Arjun Deo Charan, the play was presented by Rammat theatre group, Jodhpur.
The story is a socio political satire on the society and highlights about the political scenario of the country. In a comic way the play deals with the life of a common man and how he is been dominated by the ruler. The play began with a sudden death of a pet elephant that after death reaches Yamlok and interacts with the God of death Yamaraaj.
It is a tale of an elephant, which dies an undue death because of the selfishness of men. His soul reaches Yamlok (world of dead), where he convinces Yamraaj (God of Death) that one single politician of his country can be pernicious for Yamraaj himself and his regime. Yamraaj appears to be interested in elephant’s challenge and asks him to bring anybody alive to Yamlok and take him back in order to prove his words. Taking advantage of this boon, elephant involves one politician, in a strategy to defeat Yamraaj and capture his crown.
The comic situations on Earth and Yamlok weave a humour out of the grief of elephant to unfold the agony of the present situation of the country. A political satire, it offers a comment on the contemporary narrative of people and politics.
The costumes and the masks of the elephant and buffalo were interesting and enchanting feature of the play. Further the stage craft and unique presentation added much zest in the play. The theatre buffs of the city were enthralled to watch the play as they experienced the reality of the society through a comic play.