A folk play, Amali, narrating women’s exploitation and the feudal system, was staged at Antarang Hall, Bharat Bhawan, on Tuesday. The play was staged under ‘Bihar Mahotsava’.
Directed by Suman Kumar and written by Hrishikesh Sulabh, the play was wonderfully presented by the artistes of Kala Jagran, Patna, Bihar. The play begins with scene of narrators who narrates the pathetic saga of protagonist Amali. Mahrauli — a village bearing antique systems feudalism which is rough base of play where Amli veiled in red clothes hooks up her family life. The village is the den of exploitation and tyranny, where the two cruel characters Mahadev Rai and Abrar Khan like cruel characters represent the feudal instincts.
Rameshwar, a son of poor Budhia, dreams a romantic life with his wife Amali, but he is too helpless to walk out of the corridors of feudalism and is bound to serve his feudal lords. But at this very juncture Amali provokes and inspires her husband to come out of miseries and accordingly the day comes where Rameswar starts his journey for Kolkata for a better future leaving his wife and mother behind. He becomes traceless in the streets of Kolkata and here his family is bound to lead a very bad life.
Under these circumstances Amali goes to Mahadev Rai for asking some Debt. He becomes ready to help but in return he wants to make illicit relation with her. She opposes, makes Mahdev angry. Then, he makes a plan and takes her land and compels to leave village. Bachna, a friend of Rameshwar, raises voice against injustice then the goons of Rai kills him. The play ends with the scene where villagers of Mahrauli requests to Amali for not leaving village after knowing the real face of Rai. The symbolic sets, attractive light design and live music added more charm in play.