::: National School of Drama

Baanbhatt Ki Atmakatha

In the month of May 2007, the Repertory Company presented its production ‘Baanbhattai Ki Atmakatha’, based on a novel written by Sh. Hazari Prasad Dwivedi. The play was designed and directed by Sh. M.K. Raina, the dramatization was by Sh. Amitabh Srivastav, Music was by Sh. Bhaskar Chandavarkar, Lights by Sh. Parag Sharma, and costume by Ms. Kriti V Sharma. It was staged at the Abhimanch auditorium on the 15th, 16th and 17th of May 2007, at 6:30 p.m.

Although the plot of the novel written by Dwivediji in 1946 is based on the past, it is equally reflective of contemporary times and is indicative of his insightful vision. According to the Puranas, Mahavaraha was an incarnation of Vishnu who saved the submerged earth from water. In the novel, the same theme is recontextualised symbolically, with Bhattini representing the earth and Baanbhatta having to save her.

The decision to take this particular myth is also deeply symbolic. Through it a larger message seems to be that like the submerged earth, the greater human value is losing it’s meaning. The caste system which was the reason for fragmenting society at that time, is unfortunately also the reason for the present social scenario.

Like the novel, the play depicts the time and culture of the past while talking about the modern soul; it identifies with modern thought, imagination and desire while blurring the boundaries between the past and the present and emphasizing the eternal relevance of human love and the conflicts of the human soul. The basic message of the novel seems to be that love and sympathy are the greatest of human values, and their coexistence is as essential today as it was in the past.

In addition to the above, the Repertory Company also staged performances of Ram Naam Satya Hai and Janeman at the Kalina University auditorium, Mumbai, on the 1st of April, 2007. The timings of these performances were 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. respectively .