Jammu, Dec 08: Continuing its rich tradition of showcasing meaningful and impactful theatre, Natrang presented a new Dogri play, ‘Chetta’, at its weekly Sunday Theatre series at Natrang Studio Theatre.
The play was based on a Dogri story of the same name, written by renowned writer Joginder Chhatrapal, was skillfully adapted by Dimple Sharma and directed by Pawan Verma. Joginder Chhatarpal received Sahitya Akademi Award for this work in the year 2016.
On the occasion Director Natrang Balwant Thakur informed that in its new endeavour of showcasing the outstanding works of celebrated Dogri Sahitya Akademi Awardees, today’s play was the second of the series after brilliantly staging Madan Mohan Sharma’s ‘Diary Kuse Lok Nath Di’. This initiative is aimed at promoting Dogri through the powerful medium of theatre.
Chetta is a poignant and thought-provoking narrative that delves into the mental and emotional struggles of old age, shedding light on the challenges faced by the elderly, including societal indifference and insensitivity. The play resonates deeply with the audience, encouraging a heightened sense of empathy and awareness.
The story follows an elderly, retired schoolteacher who is determined to attend the wedding of a friend’s daughter in a distant village. Struggling with memory loss and ridiculed by his family for his forgetfulness, he embarks on the journey alone, carrying a simple gift of a saree and a bag of rajma beans. The narrative poignantly explores his mental fog, the ridicule he faces from his family and society, and his internal struggle with feelings of inadequacy and helplessness. Moments of anguish are intertwined with past memories, including incidents where his failing memory caused him shame and humiliation.
As the old man waits at the bus stand for his friend Abrol, he is haunted by memories of being taunted by his family. Unable to remember essential details, such as the name of his destination or his friend’s phone number, he faces further challenges at the ticket counter. His struggles evoke both sympathy and frustration with society’s lack of understanding toward dementia. When his friend Abrol finally arrives, a brief moment of relief is overshadowed by sarcastic remarks and added pressures, deepening the protagonist’s sense of humiliation.
Chetta not only tells a moving story but also sparks important conversations about the emotional and social toll of aging. Its impactful presentation underscores Natrang’s commitment to using theatre as a medium to address significant social issues.
The production featured an exceptional cast who brought the story to life with their powerful performances. Neeraj Kant, a seasoned theatre artist, portrayed the storyteller with depth and authenticity, captivating the audience with his compelling narrative style. Mohd. Yaseen delivered a remarkable performance in the dual roles of BR Damle and Abrol, showcasing his versatility and mastery of his craft. The central character of the old schoolteacher was powerfully performed by Pawan Verma, whose nuanced portrayal of a man grappling with dementia was both heart-wrenching and profoundly relatable.
