Raking the past on stage

The play Kharaashein, an amalgam of poet Gulzar's stories and poems will be staged in the city this weekend

The play Kharaashein, an amalgam of poet Gulzar's stories and poems will be staged in the city this weekendu00a0u00a0

Relive the moments of despair and pain that was inflicted on our country the unforgettable events during 1947.

The play Kharaashein takes you back to the blank spots of a time, when many were killed and are still being threatened all in the name of religion.

The play is written by film lyricist and poet Gulzar. We spoke to the director of the play, Mathura Kalauny, who promises a show that would stir everyone's emotions.

What was your experience directing the play, Kharaashein?
Kharaashein is not a play as plays are generally understood to be. It is a 'collage' of Gulzar's stories and poems, conceived by Salim Arif, a theatre person. When I read the play I was deeply moved by it. Each word of the play depicts Gulzar's agony. The author talks about the wounds inflicted by terrible events during 1947. But in every atrocity perpetrated by religious zealots, there are human faces that brave the odd, put their own lives at risk and help people irrespective of their religion, cast and creed.

The language is quintessentially Gulzar. During the rehearsals, the team did not indulge in any light talks. We have worked day and night, weaving the right emotion into Gulzar's verses.

Kharaashein is an emotional experience one must go through and be stirred to the depth of one's soul.

Defying language barriers: Mathura Kalauny, director of the play Kharaashein

Has the play been staged in any other city earlier?
The play has been staged by other groups in many cities.u00a0

You are the founder of Kalyan Theatre Group. Could you tell us more about the group?
Kalayan theatre group is a large network comprising a group of theatre artists spread all over the globe. It was formed in the year 1989. The group has positioned itself as the only local theatre organisation in Bangalore, engaged in producing Hindi plays. Staging a play in Bangalore, especially a Hindi play, is a daunting task. Often brief training courses are organised for the artists before starting the rehearsals. Cast includes theatre enthusiasts from various industries. Over the years the group has built a vast reservoir of talented actors.

What is your opinion about theatre growth and acceptance in a city like Bangalore?
People do appreciate theatre here. There are many people in Bangalore who enjoy watching a play. But the 'lets-go-see-a-play-this-weekend' kind of attitude that one gets to see more often in a city like Mumbai, is still missing in Banaglore. There is no proper infrastructure and not enough theatre halls. Resources are generally very costly. We also face many problems due to lack of sponsors.

Any particular verse of Gulzar that you like and would share with us?
I would like to share all of them, as they are all so nice.u00a0 But this particular verse is very simple and I really like it.u00a0

Raat bhar sard hawa chalti rahi
Raat bhar hamne alaav taapa
Maine maazi se kai khushk see shaakhein kaati
Tumne bhi guzre hue lamhon ke patte tode
Maine jebon se nikali sabhi sukhi nazme
Tumne bhi haathon se murjhaaye hue khat khole
Apnee in aankhon se maine kai maanze tode
Aur haathon se kai baasi lakeeren phenki
Tumne palkon pe nami sookh gayee thee, so gira di
Raat bhar jo bhi mila ugte badan par humko
Kaat ke daal diya jalte alaawon main use
Raat bhar phoonkon se har lau ko jagaye rakha
Aur do zismon ke indhan ko jalaye rakha
Raat bhar bujhte hue rishte ko taapa humne.

At: Chowdiah Memorial Hall, Vyalikaval
On: September 12, 7.30 pm
For: Rs 150, 250 and 350
Call: 98864 00774