 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Dec 24: Natrang presented a riveting Urdu play titled 'Ghunghat' at the Natrang Studio Theatre, marking another installment in its weekly Sunday Theatre series. Directed by Neeraj Kant, the play is based on the story by the renowned writer Ismat Chughtai. The narrative unfolds with a narrator praising the ethereal beauty of an eighty-year-old woman named Gori Bibi, emphasizing her untouched purity. The story delves into Gori Bibi's engagement at the age of thirteen to a black man named Kale Miyan, who is distressed by his own dark complexion.
During the engagement ceremony, playful teasing occurs, with the community suggesting that if the groom touches the bride, she will become impure. The radiant beauty of the bride has a profound impact on Kale Miyan, leading to initial reluctance to marry. Despite persuasion, Kale Miyan finally agrees to the union. However, his discomfort with references to black and white people in wedding songs resurfaces on the wedding night. Kale Miyan requests the bride to lift her veil, and when she refuses, he abruptly leaves, causing distress to Gori Bibi's parents.
Years pass, and attempts are made to reunite Gori Bibi and Kale Miyan, but his aversion to lifting the veil persists. When Kale Miyan, now an old man, returns home for the last time, another attempt is made to reunite the couple. Tragically, before Gori Bibi can reveal herself, Kale Miyan passes away, bringing the play to a poignant conclusion.
The Natrang young artists who brought this tale to life included Abhimanyu Choudhary, Harshul Kaul, Chaitanya Shekhar, Vishal Sharma, Aadesh Dhar, Sonali Sharma, Mehak Chib, Anand Verma, and Suneha Angural. Neeraj Kant handled the lighting, while Kushal Bhat provided the music for the play. The coordination of the show was managed by Mohd. Yaseen.
The performance captivated the audience with its exploration of societal norms, individual perceptions, and the enduring impact of decisions made in youth. 'Ghunghat' showcased Natrang's commitment to presenting thought-provoking and culturally rich theatrical experiences. |
