Lucknow: Play ‘Bayen’, based on classics authored by acclaimed writer and activist Mahashweta Devi, highlighting brutality and oppression faced by the Dalits, especially women and other marginalised communities at the hands of upper elite in Indian society was staged by the National School of Drama repertory at UP Sangeet Natak Akademi on Thursday.
It was part of the ten-day theatre festival organised to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Darpan theatre group. The eighth day was dedicated to theatre artist Vivek Chatterjee.
Directed by thespian Usha Ganguly, the 95-minute play showed the plight of tribal woman Chandi Dasi, who is declared a ‘bayen’ (witch) by the society. She is abandoned by her husband and separated from her son. The villagers fear her and imprison her in a hut by the railroad tracks. The story, however, ends with Chandi saving people travelling on a train from robbers, but in the process, loses her own life.
The main character, Chandi Dasi was played by Potshangbam Reeta Devi and her husband Malinder by Majiboor Rahman. The performance moved the audience to tears.
Vijay Shankar Johri (45) who was among the audience was shocked to see the plight of marginalised communities as depicted in the play. “It was well directed and an eye-opener,” said Johri.
Courtesy : TOI
Note: This news piece was originally published in timesofindia.com and used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes exclusively for Human Rights
Trending Now
