Taraash 2018
Production oriented summer theatre workshop ‘Taraash 2018’ witnessed 100 participants from 3 venues viz., Maharashtra Bhawan, Apna Jatan Kendra Dewali and Manwa Kheda Sec. 6 where Robin Hood Army teaches children of Banjara Kachchi Basti from May 19 to June 10, 2018.
The motive of the workshop was to engage more and more people to the theatre art form and to connect underprivileged children to the mainstream by removing their hesitation, building confidence and self esteem. For this reason, workshop was made free for all the participants. These participants were from various backgrounds and represented different sections of society but when united together with the medium of theatre they were one.
23 days theatre workshop concluded with 3 theatrical performances namely ‘Aparaadh’, ‘Kuritiyon Ki Class’ and ‘Kissa Maujpur Ka’ at Lok Manya Tilak Auditorium, Maharashtra Bhawan. The entire program was organised with limited and least available resources only, so we could not arrange a generator for electricity backup. During the performance, there was a time when power was cut by RSEB department and electricity came after 15 min. During this time, show was on hold for only 40 sec. Within seconds we decided to continue show with torch light from mobile and show went on for 15 min in torch light. It is really hard to believe that being first time performer, nobody lost control and show went smoothly.
Details of play performed in Taraash 2018
Aparaadh
During the workshop with underprivileged children of Manwa Kheda Area of Udaipur, we have prepared the play ‘Aparaadh’ with the help of Robinhood Army who teaches these children in their spare time. The workshop was a challenge for us and for children as well.
These children have never seen any play, even they don’t know about theatre art form. Also we didn’t have a proper space for workshop. We took workshop in a garden nearby where there was no shade during day time. Only for some time shade from a nearby house occurred when sun changes its position. Lack of resources had never turned down; in fact we became stronger than before. We started workshop and on 23rd day play ‘Aparaadh’ was performed by them.
Written and directed by Mohammed Rizwan Mansuri, play was based on the issue of child marriage not only in their area but in major part of our country. It also shows how study of a gird child is being sacrificed for the marriage. Play ends with the message of no child marriage, safe driving and importance of girl education.
Kuritiyon Ki Class
With the students of Apana Jatan Kendra at Dewali of Jatan Sansthan, we prepared this play as an end result of workshop. Here a proper space was provided by them. Students were aware of Theatre Arts and they were excited for workshop. Each day we came closer, day by day our relation became strong. We asked them about problems in the area they live. When we compile the list, we came to know that issues which they are facing are common malpractices in India and we started preparing those malpractices in dramatic way. Play ‘Kuritiyin Ki Class’ was based on malpractices in the name of caste, religion and society. Written by Mohammed Rizwan Mansuri & directed by Agastya Hardik Nagda, the play started with the entry of a teacher who is educating students about the malpractices
and why one should avoid all these. Based on Child Marriage, Gender Equality, Girl Education, Blind Faith of Priests, status of women etc. was appreciated by the audience. Performed on the conclusion day of theatre Workshop Taraash 2018, play has created a solid impact on viewers. Spectators left auditorium with tears in their eyes and love for students in their heart.
Kissa Maujpur Ka
The participants were from various backgrounds joined Taraash 2018. Some of them were students, some business person; some were in jobs like teaching. This workshop has seen very dedicated participants who were doing theatre for the first time. Written by Jayvardhan and directed by Abdul Mubin Khan Play ‘Kissa Maujpur Ka’ exposes a society that wants only the male child and prides itself in asserting male chauvinism. To prevent the birth of a girl child it resorts to the heinous crime of abortion of the female foetus. This serious situation is treated with a light touch that keeps the audience amused throughout. But, at the same time, it makes a satirical comment on the patriarchal structure of society in a powerful manner.
It conveys a powerful message that both girls and boys are important for the healthy growth of society.