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KARMABHUMI (Play in Hindi)
Written by - Vidyadhar Pundlik
Designed & Directed By - Bharti Sharma (NSD Graduate)
Style - Stylised
Duration - Two hours.
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On the 18th day of the massive war of Mahabharata, the Pandavas have a glorious victory over the Kauravas. It was for the satisfaction of Draupadi's revenge and self - respect, that the war was designed. She is informed of her victory by her five brave sons Prativinda, Sutsome, Shrut Karma, Shatanik & Veersen. She is overwhelmed with the victory and in this very moment of celebration with her loved ones she dose'nt want any interference.
Despite Krishna's constant preaching of the philosophy of life, Draupadi ignores the valuable lessons of Krishna. But, there is a kind of mystery and uncertainity of happiness, in the air which the self - engrossed Draupadi neglects. Ashwatthama, the last living senate of the Kauravas, blatantly killed all of her five sons without any indication. The victory suddenly seems to be futile and Draupadi is once again furious and full of revenge. She takes an oath that she would not drink a single drop of water till Ashwatthama is punished. Thus Bhima once again driven to fight for the dignity of her dissatisfied wife. With the help of Krishna, Ashwatthama is now captivated and brought in front of Draupadi. She decides not to kill Ashwatthama but instead take away the 'mani' - pious stone embedded on his forehead. The 'mani' was Ashwatthama's identity, his dignity and pride. Ashwatthama is now cursed with a miserable long life and incurable wound on his forehead.
After fifteen years, Draupadi along with the Pandavas is departing from Hastinapur. She is vulnerable and a realisation of guilt occurs. She wants to reconcile with Ashwatthama. Ashwatthama is astonished to see this change in Draupadi, the woman who led to so much trauma in his life.
They both realise the worthlessness of war and blood - shed. Change of ideas form a strong foundation for a new beginning. |
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INDIAN EXPRESS, NEW DELHI
TUESDAY, APRIL 25 1995
Pain is our destiny and we shall have it. The play, staged at the Shri Ram Centre basement auditorium last week, was presented by Kshitij Theatre Group under the direction of Bharati Sharma. Just as one has come to expect from the group, which has come up with sensible productions like "Biyaban Mein Ugtey Kinshuk" and "Suryamukh" in the past, "Karmabhoomi" was uncluttered production with splendid music score (Bhavani Ratna) and largely effective portrayals by the entire cast. Rich in dialogues, besides the familiar power of its setting, the production was easily among the better ones on show in the Capital recently. The beautiful Bharti Sharma as Draupadi and Bipin Kumar as Bhima were able to impart much feeling into their parts. "Karmabhoomi" once again reiterated the power of productions that have few props to disengage the attention of the viewer and which tend to lend a false of security to the performers.
ASHISH SHARMA | |
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