Naad Patna staged the play 'Raag Basant' in Patna on 24.5.2018

No flinching in pursuit of muse

हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहाँ क्लिक कीजिये-  

 https://dramapagesbiharidhamaka.blogspot.com/2018/06/2452018.html

An epitome of leading by example, Basant Vyas choses to perform Launda-Nautch himself to address to the Gauri’s compunction as to whether she is performing some inferior sort of art. Gauri is peeved at the malicious insinuations of audience and perceives them as an assault on her modesty. She thinks people are more interested in her carnal beauty rather that the aestheticism of  dance performed by her. Presenting a theatrical discourse on the development of Ramayani style of  dance most popular in eastern region of the country the director enters into the realm of Launda-nautch in which the story of Ramayana is narrated by a man in woman's attire.

The play focuses on the life of Basant who is inclined towards Ramayani style of singing from the very beginning in his life. His father is  worried about the future of his son and wishes that he must join his profession of priesthood. Though the perfect follower of muse, Basant takes to singing and becomes a renowned singer. He comes in contact with Gulab Vyas and joins a Ramayani group. In love of Gauri he dares twisting his feet on the tune of Ramayani whom he sings himself. Of course, the journey of Basant Vyas to Basant Launda is not an easy one. A Bramin has to have a tolerance to hear people saying “Launda aa gaya naach dikhane”.The style of Launda-Nautch reaches a new height and the government recognizes his efforts by presenting a prize from the hands of not less than the President of the country. Now the father of Basant comes to senses and blesses both Basant and his wife Gauri.

The story raises several questions. Whether it is dignified that a man coming from the top echelon of cast division  performs a dance wearing the dress of a female. The other issue is whether a man should choose such an uncertain profession of dance leaving away a fully established profession of priesthood. And the answer it gives is an undoubted Yes.

The whole presentation from the very beginning to the last tip of the presentation it was a musical thriller. The lyrics of Vivek Kumar was sweet and music by Md. Jonny was stunningly melodious. The acting delivered by Rubi Khatun was moving and the countenance while showing her emotional bruises after the outrageous comments of audience was realistic. Hira Lal Roy is a master of dance and Rubi Khatun was able to match the perfectly supple twists of Hira Lal Roy. Shubro Bhattacharya is also an excellent actor and even getting a limited range of performance he left his impression as Gulab Vyas. Suman Kumar as Basant Vyas did good work. Ranu Kumar as Subhag Pandit showed the true repentance of a father who did not recognised the talent of his own son earlier. Even the guest performance of Harkishan Singh Munna drew the attention of the people.

Md. jonny (Harmonium), Rajesh Kr (dholak),  Rajan Singh (jhaal)  Kamakhya ji (Claret) were seated on stage straight to the eyes of the spectators at he back end. This elevates the position of music as the main theme of the drama. Nand Kr., Md. Asif, Ujjwal Kr and Rajiv Roy made it a good chorus. Uday Singh had was able to keep the sanctity of the original dance form and this along with singing was vital in this Ramayani based play. Upendra Kumar's Sound system worked well and Rajkumar Prasad's lights were flawless. Jitendra Kr Jitu's make up was as per the requirement. Birbal, Hiralal and Ranu prepared the simplistic set design as required here. This musical drama must give credit to Md jonny who had prepared the mellifluous music of all the songs. Also, last but not least, sincere appreciations must be conveyed to Vivek Kumar, the director of the play who also prepared the lyrics. 

It was a memorable show watched by the audience . Such a music rich play not only improves  the palatability of the play but also highlights the eclectic approach of theatrical technic where every form of art is adored and not merely acting. The whole team must be applauded for the marvelous show.

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Review by - Hemant Das 'Him'
Photographs by - Binay Kumar

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