Mumbai, with its rich theatre culture and diverse population, would seem like an ideal destination for plays in various languages. But when an Urdu drama is staged in Solapur, it's a spectacle in its own right
Mumbai, with its rich theatre culture and diverse population, would seem like an ideal destination for plays in various languages. But when an Urdu drama is staged in Solapur, it's a spectacle in its own right. An auditorium that can seat over 1,200 people is packed beyond capacity, such that viewers don't mind sitting in the aisles. Young and old, children and college students flock to the venue carrying dabbas, so they don't lose their seat in the interval. It's a similar sight in Malegaon and Bhiwandi where audiences shower love on Urdu productions.
The festival is being celebrated at the state level for the first time
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Mumbaikars can now get a glimpse of these decades-old theatre traditions in the poetic language from across Maharashtra at the five-day long Urdu Drama Festival, which was inaugurated in the city yesterday. Presented by Maharashtra Rajya Urdu Sahitya Academy, the festival is dedicated to the memory of Tom Alter and Farooque Shaikh, who nurtured Urdu theatre throughout their acting careers. Featuring 27 award-winning and new plays from Solapur, Malegaon, Bhiwandi, Pune and Mumbai, the festival will witness over 500 artistes take the stage.
Farooque Shaikh
"We received 51 entries for the festival. The curatorial process took over six months," informs veteran theatre director Iqbal Niyazi, who has been the coordinator of the festival for four years.
Tom Alter
The plays touch upon a range of subjects. While Dard Paura presents a picture of life in Kashmir, in the backdrop of militancy and army action, Flamingoes is about the refugee crisis in Syria. Classics like Premchand's Godaan are also part of the festival. Raja Baghban, an actor and director from Solapur, who is part of the festival, hopes for the revival of theatre competitions in Urdu in his town. "While festivals celebrate the language, competitions encourage artistes to come up with novel productions," he says. Meanwhile, he is making the best of his situation. Baghban translates outstanding Marathi plays in Urdu to enrich a tradition that already rules over the hearts of common Maharashtrians.
TILL: October 27, 3 pm onwards
AT: Mysore Auditorium, Matunga East.
CALL: 9323186007
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