The man loves happy endings. Sometimes though, he feels that mysterious finales stir up things more evocatively. In the fifth edition of Hriday Manch, an annual theatre festival by Sparsh Natya Rang, an artistic society, its founder Ajit Chowdhury presents an eclectic mix of endings, which are complimented by exceptionally gripping beginnings, he says. Through it all, he will build excitement like few other festivals do because his earnest efforts will reflect in each story, and every narrative will carry his signature insignia.
The festival is not about promoting just well-known artistes. There are enough platforms doing that already and, fortunately, the director recognises that. “Hriday Manch aims to encourage theatre groups from all over India so that they get a chance to perform in front of a diverse audience in the city,” says Chowdhury. He has always been keen to invite groups from remote areas so that their talent is projected on prominent stages. Paucity of funds too add to making the overall situation grimmer than it is. Through this festival, groups get representation. “If we are able to collect more funds we’ll be able to increase the number of days and invite more groups,” he says.
As the name suggests, Hriday Manch is a platform of ideas emanating from the heart. Here, these ideas will be communicated through drama. Radhe Radhe Hum Sab Aadhe is a family play that says not only are the mentally challenged incomplete, so are all of us. Doosra Aadmi Doosri Aurat is about the changing dynamics between a husband and a wife, and how many are looking for new relationships. It also reflects on Westernisation and how it has impacted Indian Culture. How live-in relationships are not new anymore. Bholaram ka Jeev is all about the culture of taking and giving bribes. Finally, Canada de Nazare (RSVP) portrays a story about dreams of the young generation to settle abroad. It shows how people will go to the extent of settling down illegally. “It’s a pleasure to bring different thoughts onto one stage. The audience gets to experience a gamut of emotions and take back with them what they hold most dear,” says Chowdhury, adding, “I like stories with a positive impact and all these plays certainly will leave a big one,” he says.
August 25-28, at 4, Safdar Hashmi Marg, Mandi House, at 7 pm. Free entry. For passes, call 9810286707 or 9810974880.