“Surya Ki Antim Kiran Se Surya Ki Pehli Kiran Tak” Stirred Ethos At Gaiety

Shimla, Sept. (Himachal Tonite Bureau)

After a long time theatre lovers in the city got an opportunity to experience the magic of full-length play as Sankalp Group brought a play – ‘Surya Ki Antim Kiran se Surya Ki Pehli Kiran Tak’ to life on the Gaiety’s stage.

Set in the backdrop of 10th century BC story revolved around queen Sheelavathi and impotent king Okak. The play opens with Okak pouring his heart out to his maidservant as Queen Sheelavathi is being prepared forcefully to undergo Niyog; a practice where the women who are not able to conceive by their husbands are provided with a mate; against her wishes.

The struggle between the individual and social values is the main crux of the play. The play proceeds in the narrative dialogue format and is basically based on the discussions between Okak, Mahatrika ,Sheelavathi , Prathyosh and centers around their sexual life.

The Director of the play Kedar Thakur did full justice to the story and performances by the main protagonist Rupesh (Okak) and Tanuja (Sheelavathi) brought in emotional catharsis. People could relate to the anguish and torment that both went through and at the same time helped in unveiling the hypocritical and double-standard approach in the society as Queen in her dialogue says that she is a woman that has never even been sun-kissed will have to be submissive for any random man.

Coming to set and costumes unfortunately there was a lack of coordination as even though the play was all about passionate desires yet red was too loud and made it dry. Everything right from clothes to properties was covered in a tone of red and gold except for just two characters.

While expressing his views on the performance Vivek Mohan, National Award-winning Film Maker said, “The storyline immediately reminded me of the film Indecent Proposal, in the name of traditions here. However, to me, it was all about women’s empowerment! How she discovers and expresses her sexuality. A clichéd but true term”.