Giving life to a dying art

MUMBAI: A Mumbai-based theatre group will expose theatre patrons to the ancient Indian style of performing arts and stage a drama based on the Sanskrit play ‘Madhyam Vyayog’ written by Mahakavi Bhas.
The intention is to expose the modern generation to the vanishing form of art in this age of mindless comedies.
Kendre known for his plays like ‘Tee Phulrani’, ‘Zulwa’ among others said he is trying to revive the vanishing art of Sanskrit theatre with his play.“One of the reasons for choosing this play was to learn from the ancient Indian performing traditions and also to present the audience with something innovative that they haven’t experienced ,” he says. The play will be titled ‘O My Love’ in English, ‘Mohe Piya’ in Hindi while the Marathi version is titled ‘Priya Bawari’.
Professor Waman Kendre, Director of The Academy of Theatre Arts, University of Mumbai is directing the play and students of theatre art will present it. The play set in the era of the Mahabharata, revolves around the Pandava prince Bhima, his wife Hidimba and son Ghatotkacha. The plot entails how Bhima who has never met Hidimba and Ghatotkacha after the latter’s birth meets them while trying to save the life of a Brahmin family. Ghatotkacha refuses to accept Bhima as his father despite his mother’s pleas.The duel between the two lead to their unison.AThe inaugural shows will be held at the NCPA experimental theatre on July 3.
Priya Bawari (Marathi)- 2 pm, Mohe Piya (Hindi) 4:30 pm, Oh My Love (English) - 7 pm.