Watch magic on stage as Gulzar, Javed Siddiqui and Salim Arif come together to offer a week-long theatre extravaganza, starting tomorrow
Lubna Salim, Anand Alkunte and Yashpal Sharma in Lakeerein
In 2002, Salim Arif staged Ghalibnaama, a homage to Mirza Ghalib that marked the debut of his theatre production company, Essay PPL. Soon after, severely impacted by the gruesome communal riots in Gujarat, he brought to stage, Kharaashein, a collage of writings by the stalwart writer-poet Gulzar on the neglected subject of riots.
(From left) Lubna Salim, Anand Alkunte and Yashpal Sharma in Lakeerein
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"We wanted to do something about it in a meaningful and forceful manner. Gulzar saab’s writings are apolitical, non-religious and from the common man’s perspective," recounts the prolific theatre director, whose Essay PPL production travelled through the country and flew to New York too. Now, having entered its 15th year, with successful productions like Aapki Sonia (sequel to Tumhari Amrita), Hum-Suffer and most recently, Chakkar Chalaaye Ghanchakkar, Arif will re-stage Kharaashein on August 28 as part of a week-long festival at Prithvi Theatre, starting tomorrow.
Javed Siddiqui
What’s in store?
The line-up features prominent plays from Essay’s repertoire, directed by Arif, including Taj Mahal Ka Udghatan (a satirical sequel to Taj Mahal Ka Tender), starring Arif’s wife and actress Lubna Salim, Amit Behl and the wiry Vrajesh Hirjee who plays Aurangzeb. "Yes, that’s a pleasant surprise," laughs Arif, adding, "We are not a conventional theatre group as far as actors are concerned. We assemble a team of friends based on the play’s requirements. For instance, Sonali Bendre starred in Aapki Sonia and recently, Shruti Seth and Swanand Kirkire in Chakkar Chalaaye..."
Salim Arif with Gulzar
Gulzar on stage
On August 27, you can catch Hum-Suffer, penned by veteran screenwriter Javed Siddiqui that substitutes a background score with 20 pre-recorded poem renditions by Gulzar. Meanwhile, Arre O Henry, which showcases Gulzar’s adapted version of American writer O’Henry’s short stories will be staged on August 24. So, what makes the icon’s scripts appealing for stage?
"He comes to literature with a great deal of experience of cinema, so there’s a sense of economy in his writing. His precision forces us to delve deeper and find layers, which is an interesting experience on stage. Besides, his sense of drama, and use of humour in most of his works makes them stand apart from average scripts.." The master poet will also recite his unpublished works in an hour-long session, titled Yaar Julahe, on the fest finale, which we hear is already sold out.
You can also watch out for Tera Bayaan Ghalib, an extension of Ghalibnaama, which combines a selection of his poems and letters i.e. his ghazals and khutoot, presented on stage as a concert of prose, poetry and music. While the poems will be sung by Amrita Chatterjee and Sudeep Banerjee, Arif will read the letters.
From: August 23 to 28
At: Prithvi Theatre, Janki Kutir, Juhu.
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