‘Charandas Chor’ opens five-day theatre fest at Virsa Vihar

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, July 1

Truthful existence is a challenge in itself, especially for those who swear to adhere by it despite the odds. And what better way to present the harsh reality of such a life than Habib Tanvir’s acclaimed play, ‘Charandas Chor’. The popular play by its famous writer has been adapted and translated into various languages and versions on stage and on Friday evening, it opened the five-day theatre festival by Manch Rang Manch at Virsa Vihar.

Directed by Pritpal Rupana, the satirical version of the play set the stage for some hard-hitting theatre with a proper dose of entertainment as well. The story of a petty thief, who escapes the clutches of the law and promises to live his life sticking to certain principles was appreciated by the audience. Based on a Rajasthani folktale, Charandas is a thief, who swears to his Guru to lead a simple life, never to eat in a gold plate, never to hold an office of power and never to marry a princess. But when life throws at him all these temptations, he has to make tough decisions, declining the offers and thereby costing him his life. Just when he is about to be executed for refusing to marry the princess of a kingdom, Charandas reflects on the impossible task of living a truthful life, which in today’s context is rather bang on point.

The theatre festival is being helmed by Kewal Dhaliwal and the second day will present three productions — ‘Hondni Hond’ (Existence) by Ravinder Ravi, ‘Kappa Dian Therian’ by Parvez Sandhu and ‘U Go Daddy’ by Gurmeet Karialwi.