 Early Times Report
Jammu, Aug 18: In a riveting display of theatrical prowess, Natrang presented the thought-provoking political satire ‘Topian’ in its popular weekly series, ‘Sunday Theatre.’ Written by the acclaimed playwright Mani Madhukar and directed by Neeraj Kant, the play took center stage at Natrang Studio, offering a sharp critique on the contemporary political landscape.
‘Topian’ is a scathing commentary on the opportunistic nature of politicians, who, much like chameleons, change their colors to remain in power.
The play reflects on how these political figures master the art of deception, manipulating public opinion through their ever-changing personas. Their mission, as portrayed in the play, is to mislead the public, with their theatrical skills and expertise enabling them to don different masks as required by the situation.
The narrative follows two neighbors determined to bring about a change in the political scene.
However, each encounter with a supposed new leader reveals only another variation of the same deceitful figure, clad in different caps and attire, yet offering identical hollow promises. As the story unfolds, the neighbors realize that despite the changing slogans and manifestos, the reality remains grim— the divide between rich and poor widens, the quality of life deteriorates, and the safety of the people is left to divine intervention. Their disillusionment culminates in a powerful moment of revelation when they strip the politician of his disguises, only to find that it was the same person all along.
The play’s central theme— that politicians remain fundamentally unchanged despite outward transformations— is poignantly delivered. ‘Topian’ sheds light on the duplicity inherent in the political arena, where alliances and enmities shift based on the pursuit of power.
The performances by the young actors of Natrang were nothing short of remarkable. Aadesh Dhar, who portrayed the central character with multiple personas, delivered a standout performance, capturing the essence of political duplicity. Mihir Gujral and Kushal Bhat, as the two neighbors, also gave compelling performances, bringing depth to their roles. The play’s lighting was expertly designed by Neeraj Kant, while the music, composed by Vishal Sharma, added a resonant layer to the production. The show was efficiently coordinated by Mohd. Yaseen.
Natrang’s ‘Topian’ serves as a timely and relevant reflection on the current political scenario, reminding audiences of the importance of vigilance and the dangers of being swayed by mere appearances. |
