Eighteen years after it was first performed, IPTA production Ek Mamuli Aadmi returns to stage with a message as relevant as ever
A rehearsal
Some works don't come with an expiry date. They, in fact, hold in them the succour to grapple with the unique circumstances of every era. Perhaps this is why we return to classics — to witness human essence distilled to its purest form, as readers and creators.
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Ek Mamuli Aadmi is a tribute to one such classic, where writer Ashok Lal's deft adaptation of Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa's Ikiru (1952) brings to life the story of a head clerk, who upon nearing retirement, realises he hasn't lived life to the fullest. An IPTA production first staged in 1999, the play is returning after 18 years as part of the Indian People's Theatre Association's 75th anniversary celebrations. Directed by IPTA executive committee member Raman Kumar, best known for his direction of the film Saath Saath, starring Deepti Naval and Farooque Sheikh, the play features veteran actor and IPTA vice president Aanjjan Srivastav in the lead, and will be performed on the set designed by eminent theatre personality, MS Sathyu.
Aanjjan Srivastav from the 1999 staging of the play
"The play deals with old age existential crisis as well as the rising problem of open spaces in our cities. Though set in Delhi, it holds true for any big city in India," shares Kumar. "The play is technically updated, but the plot remains the same. In fact, I find it unfortunate that so many years later, I didn't have to change the plot because dearth of open spaces is still a concern."
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Srivastav, whose most memorable role is his portrayal of a common man, Wagle, in RK Laxman's Wagle ki Duniya, is the only actor from the original cast who will perform this Friday. "The character of Ishwar Chandra Awasthi undergoes a transformation the day he realises, umar badi hai, zindagani chhoti hai (in this ripe old age, moments of life are numbered)," says Srivastav, adding, "So, he sips on his first drink with his colleague, days before his retirement. But his zest for life is renewed when he finds his motto — to stop a committee from building a temple on the ground meant to be used as a public garden." The play, Srivastav says, comes with a message for the elderly that old age doesn't mean withdrawing from life. "We can still do a lot if we want to."
Raman Kumar
This year also marks a personal milestone, as Srivastav completes 50 years in Hindustani and Bengali theatre. How does the actor look back on his journey? "This theatre movement (IPTA) is doing a lot of good work, and I am thoroughly enjoying myself," he beams. "We have revived other timeless plays like Ek Aur Dronacharya, Bakri, Moteram, Darinde and Girja Ke Sapne, and rehearsals will soon begin for Aakhiri Peshi, which revolves around issues plaguing our medical system."
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