It’s a spine-chilling story that will also melt your heart. “Barff”, a Hindi play by acclaimed actor-writer-director Saurabh Shukla, explores the thriller genre.
It unfolds on a wintry night during heavy snowfall in a Kashmir home, when a doctor goes to a friend’s house to treat his daughter but finds that the mother is nursing a doll instead. She loves and feeds the doll like a living baby. Though initially shocked, the doctor soon realises the logic behind what he sees — hope, dejection and helplessness that the common man is experiencing. When he repairs the doll, the mother feels her baby has come back to life.
Based on a short story by Ranjeet Kapoor, “Barff” unfolds in layers. With the doll or baby as a metaphor, it looks at the Kashmir issue in a larger perspective. It is not a political commentary but does have the undertones of the conflict. It is more a social drama that is rooted in realism. It does not say what is right or wrong. It also does not send out a message of truth or what one should believe or not believe. It gives the audience the freedom to interpret the issue the way they want to in the context of the suspense-filled story.
Adapting the story to stage was a challenge, since it was basically written (by Shukla) for the big screen. So the visual quality, one of the highlights of the play, was a crucial factor. Hence the team worked hard on the set and lighting to make for an impeccable visual effect.
“Barff” marks Shukla’s return to theatre after two decades. He began his acting career in theatre and was part of the Repertory of the National School Drama. He along with Sadiya Siddiqui plays the lead in “Barff”. Though he had been busy doing some good work in cinema, Shukla never wanted to cut himself off from his first love. With a story that is close to his heart, he is back to doing what he is best at — theatre.
Talking about the play, producer Manik Singh says, “The play has been received extremely well by the audience wherever it has been staged. It is an excellent combination of good story, sensible writing, taut direction and exemplary acting.”
Whether they had any inhibitions about doing a play based on the sensitive issue of Kashmir, Singh points out that Barff does not touch upon the political problems. “It is a heart-rending thriller story that definitely reflects the social condition of the State. Art should engage with reality to make it relevant to the time. A reason why Barff appeals to the audience.”
Singh is delighted that actors such as Shukla with their busy film schedule have not lost their connect with theatre and are helping the medium thrive. “The challenges of the stage are very different from cinema. I am happy to be associated with Barff. It has been a creatively fulfilling experience. And we are looking forward to perform in Bengaluru at The Hindu Theatre Fest , a prestigious annual event.”
Date:
- Bengaluru - Aug 18, 2017
- Hyderabad - Aug 25, 2017
Venue:
- Bengaluru - Chowdiah Memorial Hall
- Hyderabad - Ravindra Bharathi
Time: 7.30 PM
Sponsors:
- Title Sponsor – YES bank
- Associate Sponsor – Airtel
- Grooming Partner – Naturals
- Sound Partner – Zebronics
- TV Partner - Doordarshan
- Water Partner – Aachi
At a glance:
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