The six-day Haryanvi folk theatre festival is regailing the city's theatre lovers presenting the vignettes of Haryana's vanishing folk theatre, 'Saang'.
From 15th January, Saang Utsav organised by the Haryana Cultural Affairs Department at Tagore Theatre, is on till 20th January.
Till Sunday, 'Jaani Chor', 'Chhabili Bhatiyan', 'Harishchander', 'Shashikala Sukhbir' and 'Maya Devi' have been held.
On Monday, 20th January, 'Dharuv Bhagat' directed by Sanjay Malik shall be performed.
'Swaang' has a long history and from centuries ago the theatrical performances dominated various parts of northern region including Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and parts of Madhya Pradesh. On an open platform without any backdrops or props, the stage is set with the folk singers singing paens to the goddess of knowledge, Bhawani. In olden times, the village chaupal was the place for everyone to congregate, to watch the performance.
During my short stint in Haryana Government in 70s, swaang was a powerful medium to spread the message to the masses, especially in the rural areas, which has a mix of dialogues, mimcry, songs, and dance to the live music. And I was surprised to see that it is a male-dominant folk theatre, in which even the role of female characters are performed by male artists.
Ay re bhawani baas kar maira ghat ka parda khol
Rasna par basa kara bhai shudh shabd much bol
Goddess Bhawani, open the doors of knowledge to me.
Live on my tongue so that all I speak is pure.)
The entire performance is punctuated with music, mimicry and comedy, with actors, at times, interacting with the audience, and responding with typical Haryanvi wit. It is a treat to watch the 'Swaang'.
From 15th January, Saang Utsav organised by the Haryana Cultural Affairs Department at Tagore Theatre, is on till 20th January.
Till Sunday, 'Jaani Chor', 'Chhabili Bhatiyan', 'Harishchander', 'Shashikala Sukhbir' and 'Maya Devi' have been held.
On Monday, 20th January, 'Dharuv Bhagat' directed by Sanjay Malik shall be performed.
'Swaang' has a long history and from centuries ago the theatrical performances dominated various parts of northern region including Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and parts of Madhya Pradesh. On an open platform without any backdrops or props, the stage is set with the folk singers singing paens to the goddess of knowledge, Bhawani. In olden times, the village chaupal was the place for everyone to congregate, to watch the performance.
During my short stint in Haryana Government in 70s, swaang was a powerful medium to spread the message to the masses, especially in the rural areas, which has a mix of dialogues, mimcry, songs, and dance to the live music. And I was surprised to see that it is a male-dominant folk theatre, in which even the role of female characters are performed by male artists.
Ay re bhawani baas kar maira ghat ka parda khol
Rasna par basa kara bhai shudh shabd much bol
Goddess Bhawani, open the doors of knowledge to me.
Live on my tongue so that all I speak is pure.)
The entire performance is punctuated with music, mimicry and comedy, with actors, at times, interacting with the audience, and responding with typical Haryanvi wit. It is a treat to watch the 'Swaang'.
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