Two Hindi plays ‘Shunya’ and ‘Pakwaghar’ narrated about the brutal cruelties of society. Both the plays were staged back-to-back at Shaheed Bhavan auditorium here on Sunday.
The plays marked the fourth day of Navagat Theatre Festival 2018 organised by Madhya Pradesh School of Drama (MPSD). Notably, the session of MPSD 2017-18 has recently completed and to mark the session end the fest is being organized.
Here on Sunday, the evening began with the play ‘Shunya’ i.e. Zero. Directed by Diksha Sahu, the play told the story of a transgender and how the society dealt with the fact.
The play begins with the birth of a child. But, his parents come to a shock when they realize that the child is a transgender. Unable to deal with the reality, his parents give up on him. As he grows up, he had to face abuse, ill-treatment, ignorance and even exploitation.
Entire play, focused on how the society reacts with the person who is different from the others. According to the director, “Since my childhood I have been watching the mistreatment of transgender community by society. I have tried to portray the problems the community has to face in society. This is just not the play but a brutal reality.”
Another play ‘Pakwaghar’ showcased the orthodox mentality and social evils prevailing in society. The play is about a Muslim girl Lubna. Directed by Mohammad Jahangir Khan from Bihar, the play highlights about child marriage.
Lubna is married to Hannu in childhood. After marriage, Hannu gets a job in Saudi Arab and hence he leaves India. Meanwhile, Lubna is completing her studies; she falls in love with Rashid. When Hannu returns, Lubna asks for a divorce, after that she had to face the criticism and orthodox mentality.
Both the plays were beautifully presented leaving a strong impact over the audience.