Centre for Cultural Resources and Training, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India in collaboration with Shri Ram Centre for Performing Arts (SRCPA) hosted one of the popular plays written by Late Shri Girish Karnad- Agni Aur Barkha – in its premises CCRT, 15 A, Sector 7, Dwarka, New Delhi on 25th January, 2020 (Saturday) at 7 PM. Shri R K Chaturvedi, Special Secretary and Financial Adviser, Ministry of Culture, Government of India was the Chief Guest. He lauded the efforts of CCRT and SRCPA for bringing Theatre from classes to masses.
The play was directed by Prof K. S. Rajendran, an alumnus and a member of faculty at the National School of Drama. In the words of Director, “Agni aur Barkha”-“The game of love, lust and power forms the axis of the play. Drawing upon the traditional movements and gestures, we evolved a few scenes in stylized form and the rest of them realistic”. Late Shri Girish Karnad was an Indian playwright, author, actor, professor and film director. Through his play, ‘Agni aur Barkha’, Karnad explored several existential questions using mythology. It is an interesting tale about various human characters. Pravasu performs the fire sacrifice for seven years to gratify the gods and get rains for the parched land. His powerful position of the Chief Priest of the sacrifice created animosity within his own family.
It is a complex, entangled and fervent tale of love, lust and sacrifice. Several parallel narratives and play within a play (garbha natak) make the story even more interesting. The ingenious cultural elements in the austerely designed set further added to the grandeur.
The audience was full of applause and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. They lauded the efforts of CCRT for bringing this visual treat for the Dwarka residents almost on their doorstep. CCRT has taken a new initiative by bringing the best Theatre Productions to Dwarka, as appreciated by the learned audience. Shri Rishi Kumar Vashist, Director, CCRT announced that minimum two Theatre Productions will be staged every month for the Rasikjana and Gunijana of Delhi NCR by the CCRT. Shri A S Chhatwal, General Secretary, Dwarka Forum actively participated in promoting the publicity of the event
