The Marathi play ‘Aadi Katha’ was a large bouquet of tribal stories that was beautifully presented on stage. On the second day of 8th Theatre Olympics, the Ravindra Bhavan hall was adorned with the colours and traditions of tribes of India.The tribal stories were well narrated on stage, as theatre director Satish Manwar brought the entire culture to theatre. The play was very well performed by the artists of Lalit Kala KKendra, Savitri Bai Phule University, Pune.
As many as 47 young artists presented 12 tribal stories to the Bhopalites. Though, the play was in Marathi, but it seemed that language was definitely not a barrier for the adherent theatre lovers. With few musical instruments like dholak and manjeera, the live music created a zestful environment during the presentation. Besides, the light design was intelligently done to emboss the depth of Aadi Katha play.
The play was compilation of stories like Maiya Duku. This fable is about Maiya Duku who is considered to be the first man born on earth. Bhukampa Ani Prithvichi Raksha, in this story Sky and Earth fall in love with each other and it is believed that whenever they meet, there is an earthquake.Another one was, Ambyachya Lagnat Sagvanala Bahar. This is the story of a mango tree’s wedding, where a saga blossomed. ‘Shuaan-Giri’ is a fable of a boy named Shuaan, and Giri, a whale.
Naralacha Janma, a fable of how the coconut tree probably came into existence. Badhaikhor Chimni, a story of a small bird whose babble leads her into being shot by the King. Kuzali was the story of a flute that sings beautiful songs.Bhau Bahin Hatti Zhale, story about a very nasty brother and sister, who, because of their disobedience turn into elephants. Tatara-Vimaro, this story is when Andaman and Nicobar islands were connected together. Mashyacha Hasu was about a fish who could speak. Konda Maro-Singa Maro is the story of the friendship between a cow and a lioness.
Satish, director of the play said, “In tribal life, art is instinctive. The outlook towards life arises from the affinity towards nature. These stories sheds light on how humans may have thought in the early days of human culture.”