by Maleeha Sofi
SRINAGAR: The National Bhaand Theatre (Himalaya Folk Theatre) showcased the folk narrative ‘Akanundun’ at Tagore Hall Srinagar on Saturday, receiving an enthusiastic response from the audience. The performance seamlessly blended traditional folk elements with a contemporary focus on modern-day issues.
The stage came to life with the rise of curtains, revealing two musical groups on either side. The performance commenced with the melodious tunes of Bhaand, captivating the audience from the start.
‘Maskhari,’ a folklore segment, featured two narrators discussing prevalent issues in a satirical tone, accompanied by musical interludes. The traditional dance ‘Bacha Nagma‘ and storytelling technique ‘Lukei Kath‘ added depth to the narrative, concluding with the traditional dance performance ‘Dambael,’ interspersed with elements of ‘Rouf‘ and ‘Wanwun.’
The overarching theme encouraged individuals to take control of their hearts, as portrayed in the play’s ‘Akanundun.’ The narrative subtly conveyed the importance of contentment in life, addressing distractions such as anger, arrogance, and desires without explicitly tackling specific issues.
A standout message of communal harmony was portrayed by a single actor portraying both a ‘Fakeer‘ (Muslim Preacher) and ‘Jogi‘ (Hindu Preacher), emphasising a shared destination for all.
The all-male cast, including those in female roles, paid homage to historical traditions where males traditionally took on all roles in folk performances. The actors’ impeccable delivery, expressions, and tone left a lasting impact on the audience. The script, enriched with intriguing dialogues, was complemented by dynamic costume changes, symbolizing joy with vibrant colors and mourning with plain white.
Rooted in Moti Lal Kemmu’s text, the performance featured a live music ensemble supervised by Manzoor ul Haq, with training provided by Shahjehaan Bagat. Creative direction by Arshad Mushtaq added depth to the cultural extravaganza, making it a captivating experience for enthusiasts of Kashmiri folk, Sufiyana music, storytelling, and satire alike.
