Awishkar's
'Mounraag' keeps the experimental theatre alive
When we think as to how the Experimental plays are still holding their own
identity in theatre movement, it is one and only Mr. Arun Kakade, the man
responsible for the same. No wonder, he was felicitated recently with the
Lifetime achievement Gaurav award by the
Zee Marathi. Mr. Arun Kakade has done
selfless service to the Marathi theatre for more than 50 years. Through his
Awishkar Group, he has offered thousands of actors, who succeeded later at
commercial level. Even today, we find that he has sacrificed his creativity in
the larger interest of the theatre. His latest presentation 'Mounraag' under
Awishkar banner is something that speaks about his dedication to his field of
interest.
'Mounraag' is not basically written for theatre. But, these literary articles of
writer Mahesh Elkunchwar have been adapted and presented on stage by Mr. Arun
Kakade by making the right choice with
Sachin Khedekar and Director
Chandrakant
Kulkarni. In the first part, the director through a monologue, reads out the
thoughts of a person arising out of his dreams. Their relevance to his life and
so on, very skillfully, to keep the intelligent audience engaged throughout.
In the second part, it's reminisance taking a middle aged person down memory
lane to his birthplace,
displaying his attachment to the place and his feelings
for every corner of the old house.
Sachin Khedkar,
an actor par excellence, through his emotion filled voice narrates
his feelings for the old house, where he spent his early childhood. Recalling the moment, when he received a shock
after hearing from his father that he had sold the old house only to shift to
other place for convenience, the talented actor skillfully displays his anguish,
for not consulting him before taking such an important decision.
His love for the old house, finally brings him to that place, when he is almost
middle aged. He discovers some changes in the village; but fortunately finds his
old house converted into a Village block office. After taking the permission, he
moves around to every corner of that place to explain the audience about the
importance of that place and it's significance to certain people and happenings
during his childhood.
'Mounraag' is a monologue; but the manner in which in the second part Sachin
explains his attachment through his expressions and body language followed by
his dialogue delivery with variation, makes a big difference. Rahul Ranade's
background music has been used perfectly, to create that desired impact in
certain situations. Set design and light effects are the best to suit such a
classy presentation. Hats off to Mr. Arun kakade, Chandrakant Kulkarni and
Sachin Khedekar for their sincere efforts to keep the Experimental theatre
active in today's time.
