The land of fantasies, genie, and magical chant 'Khulja Sim Sim' made the Bhopalites relive through the children's most loved story, 'Ali Baba and Forty Thieves'. The story was narrated through a Hindi play 'Ali Baba' on Thursday at Shaheed Bhavan Auditorium. The play left the audience spell bound with the presentation and performance. Directed by Farrukh Sher Khan, the play was presented by Adakaar Theatre Group, Bhopal. It was performed to mark the opening of a two-day event Jashn-e-Adakaar.
The group put a lot of efforts in the presentation. The blend of traditional Arabian music, dance movements, Arabian set backdrop, and light design added more charm in the play making it worth watching. The most interesting part of the play was the aerial act where a magical character named Ghulam is always in the air, and so the aerial act was added in the play.
While talking to The Pioneer, the director, Farrukh Sher Khan said, "Well, everybody knows the story of Ali Baba and Forty Thieves, we have just added innovative ideas in the presentation to make the play more interesting to watch." Elaborating further, he said, "As far as the story and concept is concerned we have made no manipulations in it rather, I think that the condition of the society has not changed what it was in those times. According to me the play fits in the contemporary world as well. There were elite classes in those times that used to abuse the poor and today it is the ministers, there were dacoits who used to loot the common people, today it is the opportunities, there was struggle in those times and today too people struggle a lot. This is the first time when this play is being staged in such a manner for the Bhopalites."
Ali Baba is the story of a woodcutter, who fortunately finds the secret den of the forty thieves. The play was all about satirical dialogues, comedy and fantasies. The audience enjoyed the show and was mesmerized with the performance of the artists. "This is the opening show of the play we will surely stage the play once again," added Khan.