Staging excellence through drama
SECOND LEAGUE
A vibrantly dressed girl, her face veiled with a dupatta guided the audience towards the entrance of Little Theatre Group (LTG) Auditorium. 
This “welcoming act” was a part of the play titled Roop Aroop, which was staged as a part of the ongoing 8th Natsamrat Natya Utsav.
Roop Aroop is part of a famous genre of theatre called nautanki. Directed by Tripurari Sharma, the play revolves around the story of men who dress up as women and follow this tradition through generations. A number of people from bedin society are dancers and musicians by caste and showcase their talent during weddings and festivals. The play encounters the difficult struggle of a good actor and a woman in society.
Gauri Dewal, the bold female protagonist says, “The boldness is essential for survival and existence in a society which does not treat a female more than a commodity available for sale. I could feel the agony of a street dancer only after realising that they are bound to carry forward the same profession.” The actors gave goose bumps to the audience who witnessed the play and the rigours of living as a woman.
The play brings alive the tragedy of a man who teaches a woman to behave like a woman. Happy Ranajit, the male protagonist of the play, expresses the backstage struggle of theatre actors and the need for more such festivals as everybody who has a knack for acting cannot get through the festival. Happy says, “I have been associated with theatre for a long time now and still face the struggle for survival. We need more opportunities like this theatre festival, to showcase our talent because everyone cannot get such a wide platform to display their talents.”
The theatre festival that kick-started on January 26 with Samapti by D R Ankur, will showcase a number of plays including Bolti Deewarein, Godaan and Hum Tum from February 3 to 5. The festival is promoting experimentation in order to serve a unique slice of theatre to Delhiites.
Meenakshi Sharma, a visitor says, “It is very important to have experimentation in theatre to attract the new age audience towards this art form.”
Shyam Kumar, director of the play is happy with the changed perspective of audience towards theatre. He says, “Every year good actors are heading towards theatre and joining the brigade thus bringing a difference in the theatre culture of Delhi.”
The man who ensures his troupe practices round the year for the festival, feels that those who are second in the league are not promoted much. “A number of experienced directors showcase their plays in Natsamrat Natya Utsav every year but the funds that go into organising the festival always fall short than the real expenditure.”
