Sumit Chaddha, the director of the play Aagaz speak to DIVYANI RAGHAV about the trials and tribulations of women
The subject of empowerment of women is becoming a burning issue all over the world including India. Despite of all sciencetific developments, the age-old debate of descrimination towards women and the quest of women for equality with men is still on. Aagaz a play performed at Muktadhara Auditorium dealt with the issue in a impressive way. It raised question on harsh and hypocritical behaviour towards women and conveyed it’s message of women empowerment very well.
The story was the result of a lot of research work and study on the victims who suffered these attacks. Improvisation sessions were followed by story line, then scripting and finally the end result of a successful play with commendable display of the artistes. On asking about the reason of extra stress laid on women empowerment the director said, “Females are the key of the society and everything revolves around them and moreover, whole future depends on her shoulders so unless and until we don't give her freedom she will not be able to nurture well.” He further added about the attention that need to be paid, “The improvement that we encounter today, do a handful justice to women but still in rural- northern areas and in middle class families, scenario is still the same that needs sudden attention.” Sudden open mindedness is the need of the hour, or we all will end up just regretting and nothing else.
In a very short period of time of just two months the director and his entire cast did full justice to the spirit and sensitivity of the crucial topic. “Since its inception when the play was first presented to the viewers, it has put a strong impact on the spectators as it has resulted in bringing change in the community. It is not just a play but a reason of the beginning of the new revolution as after watching the act the feedback that was received by the audience was positive towards the cause,” shared Chaddha. The director feels that the change is needed in every department be it financial front or socialisation, from cultural liberty to religious followings. They should be given due independence without the feeling of being inferior to men.
The main focus of the play was on the violence and molestation on women. It started with pointing on the issues of inefficient equal pay, respect and deceptive behaviour towards women. As the act moved further it was succeeded by more intensity that gave goose bums to one and all present there. It focused on a family that was supported by the earnings of the daughter of the family, a brother who was prone to alcohol and was an honest lawyer because of which, his work was not doing well and an orthodox mother. The story got serious when the lawyer decided to fight a case in which the would be husband of his sister was found involved in a rape case with his two more powerful fellows with a politically strong background. It revolved around the threat calls and blackmailing. Communication came out as the ultimate solution of all the tussles.
The play came out with a strong cannonball that we need to change the mentality