A dalit races to reclaim his life stolen by an upper-caste identity thief. The struggle and tribulations faced by a dalit young man Mohan Das were staged in a Hindi play Mohandas at Antrang Hall, Bharat Bhavan here on Monday. The play was staged on the fifth day of the National Drama Festival.
Directed by a noted and distinguished theatre personality Rajindra Nath, the play was presented by the artistes of Shri Ram Centre, New Delhi.
Mohandas is adapted from the novella by a renowned writer Uday Prakash that deals with the trials and tribulations of an ordinary man in
post-Independence India. It describes the life of that common man fighting to create an identity for himself in a corrupt political structure.
The story begins with introducing a poor dalit family where a couple has a son named Mohan Das. The play revolved around this young man. His parents, who lead a hard life, dream a better future, courtesy their son. As Mohan Das is a brilliant student, he clears his graduation with distinction.
Fighting the economic deprivation and social cruelty, Mohan Das kept on applying for jobs but every time he was rejected despite his brilliant academic career. After a long struggle, he was assured a job and asked to submit his certificates in original for verification so that appointment letter could be sent to him. A victim of a conspiracy hatched by powerful and influential people, he is shocked to learn that his identity and job have been appropriated by another young man of a higher caste.
The play focusses on Mohan Das’ struggle to reclaim his identity and his job.
At various levels, his claim
gets rejected.
Mohan Das finally reclaims his identity but the powerful manipulators with corrupt police succeed in declaring Mohan Das as a criminal.
The real culprits indulging in criminal acts using the name of Mohan Das are left scot-free.
Mohan Das is constantly harassed and chased by
the police.
The play with a powerful script and concept and a well crafted story breathes life into the characters.