Damoh. On Saturday, the third day of the 21st five-day National Theatre Festival, organized by Yuva Natya Manch in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, at Manas Bhavan, located at Hospital Chowk in the city, the Mumbai unit of Surabhi Theatre Group, Begusarai, staged a play based on the famous poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar's work, "Rashmirathi." Praised by renowned artists across the country, this play belongs to the solo style of the play. Therefore, it was essential for the director and cast to keep the theme tightly bound, a task in which director Harish Hariauth has been completely successful.
The story of the play highlights various aspects of Karna's life, and these aspects also highlight the existing discrepancies in our society. The story focuses on the social injustice faced by Karna and the resulting sense of self-respect. Despite being the son of Surya, Karna not only endures renunciation, but also how, despite being a great warrior, a great philanthropist, and a talented individual, he struggles to establish his identity in society. His respect, dedication, and gratitude towards Duryodhana, who bestowed this recognition and respect, Lord Krishna's message for him, and his willingness to give up everything despite warnings, are the epitome of Karna. The play's dialogue with Kunti, including the donation of his ears and earrings, highlights Karna's greatness, and his death compels one to reflect on the value of actions in society.
Harish Hariauth has directed and acted in the play, and his years of experience at the National School of Drama are evident in both aspects. Through his acting, he has successfully imbued every aspect of the play with the public. The musical aspect utilizes both traditional and live music, along with modern-day recorded music. Musicians Vishnudev Das, Ashish Kulkarni, and Sadanand Vasudev Mallick have fulfilled their responsibilities admirably. Ashish Kulkarni has also designed the lighting. Ajay Kumar Bharti has designed the stage setting in keeping with the period, allowing the audience to connect with the period. The lighting design was by Sanjay Kumar Sonu of the National School of Drama, with assistance from Jayant Gadekar and Dinesh Kumar Gupta.

Rashmirathi will be staged today

On the fourth day of the theatre festival, artists from the Street Fact Cultural and Welfare Society, Bhopal, will perform the play Lachhiya, written by Wasim Ali and Jackie Bhavsar and directed by Wasim Ali.