The story of a middle class girl hunting for her identity was narrated through a Hindi play Kaamiya here on Friday as the curtain raiser of National Theatre Festival. The play was staged at Antarang Hall, Bharat Bhavan.
The play named after the protagonist of the story Kaamiya is directed by one of the most renowned theatre directors of the country Ram Gopal Bajaj. It is the production of ANK Theatre Group, Mumbai.
Although written by Kamla K Kapur in 1977, the play is still relevant in many respects, and more than the usual about the mortification that women have to bear in a man’s world. The play gives out a message of the complicated psychological and social boundaries that hold a woman back from taking charge of her own life in a world where patriarchy is deeply entrenched.
The play is a story about a middle class girl Kaamiya. In the opening scene itself it is revealed that Kaamiya comes back to her parent’s home after leaving her husband ending her marriage. As she returns she is welcomed by her anxious mother with lot of questions filled with curiosity which Kaamiya faced very courageously.
Kaamiya is a person who wants to grow intellectually, want to be self depended, and make her own identity. She is searching for herself in this big world away from her husband and father. As she desires to be an individual and seeks her freedom from the unwanted marriage, her soft spoken but stern father worries about his image and reputation in his community. Not only this, but Kaamiya also come across her aunt who left her husband just because of some insecurities and her younger sister who lives in a world of her own dreams made out of love.
Though, facing different situations, Kaamiya does not get her queries answered and ultimately leaves her parent’s home to hunt for herself all alone.
Kaamiya, is a wonderful play describing all the inquisitiveness of a woman in this huge man’s world. The direction by Bajaj was again commendable and Preeta Thakur as Kaamiya tried her best as the protagonist of the play. The production impresses in the audiences through the sensible use of visuals, light design and stage craft.