KK Raina with Ila Arun in a scene from the last play. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Suranai Theater and Folk Art Foundation will stage Hindi drama Ajatashatru In Bengaluru this weekend. Written by singer-actor-writer Ila Arun, the play is an adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s Enemy of the public. The drama is jointly directed by actors KK Raina and Ila.
The play deals with the issue of water pollution and its impact on the residents of the fictional city of Sonepur. It is a play within a play that begins with a folk drama that emphasizes the principles of the five elements – earth, air, water, fire and space.
Ila founded Surana in 1982 with the dual objectives of promoting theater and folk arts of India. It became a charitable trust ‘Suranai Theater and Folk Arts Foundation’ in 2015.
Raina, a television and theater actor and award-winning screenwriter, is known for his realistic portrayals in films. a pending decision And Byomkesh Bakshi. He talks about theatre, people, pollution and personal choices.
edited excerpt
‘Ajatashatru’ means one who has no enemies, but this play is an adaptation of Ibsen’s Enemy of the public. Is any pun intended?
The credit for this goes to Ila. Ajatashatru Meaning a person without enemies. Ibsen wrote enemy of the people In 1882. At that time he focused on what was important at the time, water bath contaminants.
Ila’s transformation talks about the current issues of environmental pollution. The question is, who is polluting the water bodies, beaches or land? We talk about progress, but this cannot be unwise. Today one rain causes landslides in the mountains, because we have cut down forests in the name of development and progress.
During Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai, idols are immersed in the sea along with flowers and decorative items. This pollutes the sea. However, idol immersion is not done by one person, but by all of us. Ajatashatru It is said that we are our own enemies. We need to be conscious of the choices we make today so that we can leave a beautiful environment for future generations.
Despite awareness and messages on so many platforms, change does not seem to be happening. Where do you think we are going wrong?
In today’s world the ability to pay attention has diminished. Ajatashatru It has four acts and we thought twice before staging it. The habit of listening has been lost because we are glued to our screens.
I am not criticizing technology. It helps us, but becoming its slave is bad. We need to use it wisely. We talk about environmental pollution, but who is talking about intellectual pollution? This change has to start from home. Nuclear families led to a feeling of isolation among children. If you spend even an hour with children, you will know in which direction they are going. Despite this, if they do not change then it is their choice.
You mentioned being concerned about the length of the play, but theater is supposed to be adventurous in every aspect of itself, no matter how the audience might react to it? Or has that aspect of theater changed?
Theater cannot be devoid of society. The playwright observes the society and writes about it. He questions the society and points out where things are going wrong. This is his idea and it is up to the audience how they react to it.
Theater is also a pillar of society. People think that theater happens on the stage. It is not so. Theater takes place in the minds of the audience. When they watch a play, what churns in their mind is theatre. It forces them to think and question. If theater fails to do this it loses its essence of being theatre.
Theater is also entertainment, because we must also learn to smile. Theater should make people laugh and think. In the theater the actor looks directly at the audience and talks to them. This connectivity is the best thing an actor can do and that is what keeps me coming back despite working in television and cinema.
Tell us about your experience of working with Ila Arun.
I feel lucky to work with him. I met him 40 years ago when I was working on the film Conquerability. She was doing a folk play and it was very different. I told him I wanted to join him and that led to a friendship that lasted many years.
His first original play was RiyazIt was about the relationship between a man and a woman. Ila used music as a metaphor to explain how one needs to practice or do something. Riyaaz For great music – Same is the case with relationships.
He has written five original plays and adapted at least eight of Ibsen’s plays. His transformation is so good that you think it is original. It is deeply rooted in our culture.
At Ranga Shankara, on 15th December, at 3.30 pm and 7.30 pm. Tickets are available at 111.bookmyshow.com and the venue.
published – December 12, 2024 11:33 am IST
