Munshiji’s story, Dastangoi style

Rinki Saxena and Pooja Jain at a performance. Pics courtesy/Pooja Jain

As one of the most respected voices of modern Hindustani literature, Munshi Premchand's written works have always set an excellent example of intriguing storytelling using simple language. Many of his books have portrayed complicated human emotions with ease. This weekend, St Andrew's Centre for Philosophy and Performing Arts (SAPP) is conducting a storytelling performance based on the writer's short story, Eidgah - Premchand ki Kahaani, Dastango ki Zubani.

It is a children's drama adapted from the story by Premchand and retold, drawing inspiration from the Dastangoi style of narration. The use of creative sets, background music, songs and rhymes, props, and interaction make the delivery child-friendly and engaging. The story traces the festive journey of a young boy, his trial when faced with ridicule, temptation and bullying; and the moment of victory when he bests the situation using his wit, presence of mind, and imagination. The essence of the story lies in the tender affection shared between a grandparent and grandchild, which makes it most appropriate for children between seven and 12 years of age. Dastangoi has Persian roots, and is a combination of two words: dastan means tale and goi, which means "to tell a tale". The narrative format borrows from the 13th century Urdu oral storytelling art form.

Children at a previous storytelling performance.

Pooja Jain, a professional surgeon who is passionate about storytelling, along with Rinki Saxena, an architect and formally trained storyteller, will perform the drama. "Bringing a story written in 1933 to a young audience in the 2020s was an exciting challenge, to begin with. Since it was originally written in Hindi, Rinki and I worked on creating a script that could be understood by the children today without compromising the essence and beauty of the original form. That journey has been very enriching and exciting for us," shares Jain. The narrative language of this show is bilingual, using English and Hindi interchangeably. This helps in retaining the core essence of the Hindustani dialect while making it universally accessible.

Omkar Bhatkar, curator at SAPP, shares, "This month, we are experimenting more with storytelling. Some tales are best told in their own style. Our childhood memories come together in the form of a Dastangoi, bringing a whole new flavour for children. Watching Eidgah is like coming home."

"We are all constructs of the stories we hear and tell. Since stories narrate the lives of impersonal characters, it becomes easier for children to neutrally experience a situation and find resonance," elaborates Jain, adding that storytelling is a non-preachy way to deliver a message. "It depicts how with wit, imagination and compassion, one can navigate the childhood years," she signs off.

ON May 21, 6.30 pm
AT SAPP Mumbai, St Dominic Road, Bandra West.
LOG ON TO sappmumbai.com
COST Rs 275