SUNDAR MAZHA GHAR
Director: Aniruddh Wankar
Playwright: Sangeeta H. Tiple
Group: Lok Jagruti Natya Kruda Sanskritik Shaikshanik Va Samajik Sanstha, Maharashtra
Language: Zadi Boli
Duration: 1 hr 30 mins
The form
Zadi Patti folk form of Vidarbha region has a unique identity in Maharashtra. The combined area of Nagpur, Chandrapur, Vardha, Bhandara and Gadhchiroli of Eastern Maharashtra is known as Zadi (Jhadi) Patti or Forest region, and has been mentioned even in the Puranas. The traditional folk theatre form of this area is known as Zadi Patti. Similar to the professional theatre, the performance is divided into three acts enacted by 7-12 performers. Most of the scenes are depicted inside a house and the rest are performed in front of the backdrop curtain. This is primarily a musical play, and all the performers participate in singing. This performance is usually held at the auspicious occasion of harvest and the participants are mostly untrained actors who convey the conflicts of daily life, social and family values, good and evil, on stage.
The Play
Sundar Mazha Ghar depicts the struggle against the malpractice of female foeticide, and a society where a woman, even today, is considered a burden. Found in a garbage dump, infant Suhasini is adopted by Dadasaheb who decides to bring her up. Around the same time, Nishi, another girl, is considered inauspicious by her father. Suhasini and Nishi grow up together. Suhasini gets love, care and good up-bringing, but Nishi is married off before the age of 18. Nishi’s husband too considers a girl-child a burden. Nishi approaches the police to save her unborn child. She meets Suhasini who has become a police inspector now. Suhasini and her husband Dr. Sarang support Nishi to establish herself in the society.
Director’s Note
Last year, the news of female foeticide disturbed me to a great extent. I felt numb at the incidents happening in the society and around us. It was surprising that this evil feeling was more among the educated class. Being a theatre artist, I felt that it was my duty to warn the society, with the result of which Sundar Mazha Ghar was conceived. This play has been staged about a 100 times and the audience has appreciated it. Many people have even shared their experiences with us. I thank them all.
The Director
Aniruddh Wankar is working as the president of Lok Jagruti Sanstha, Chandrapur in Maharashtra. He has directed around 30 plays including Ghayal Pakhra, Muth Bhar Tandul, Hambrada, Andharwat, Ghar Visarleli Manas, etc. He has been honoured with Mahatma Gandhi Vasanmukti Seva Puraskar (Maharashtra Government), Nehru Yuva Purashar, Ambedkar Ratna and Loksurya Puraskar. He has been running the theatre group Lokjagruti Rangabhumi Wadsa for the last 15 years for Zadipatti Rangabhumi, the commercial folk theatre of Vidarbha, and has produced & directed 30 plays. He has participated in Bharat Rang Mahotsav thrice, and International Theatre Festival of Kerala 2017, Vasant Natyotsav 2016, organised by the University of Mumbai. In Maharashtra he is popular as a folk performer of Ambedkarwadi Jalsa-Mi Wadalwara.
The Playwright
Sangeeta H. Tiple is an Alumna of National School of Drama (2006). She has done Research Fellowship on Zadipatti Rangabhumi. She was a faculty in Lokkala Academy, University of Mumbai, School of Fine & Performing Arts, Swamy Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University, Nanded. She has participated in Bonn Biennale Festival Germany, Bharat Rang Mahostav,,Intrenational Theatre Festival of Kerala , Rastriyavasant Natyastav Mumbai, International Multi-lingual Theatre Festival, Nanded, and Akhil Bhartiya Mahila Lok Kala Sammelan, Mumbai.
The Group
Lok Jagruti Natya Kruda Sanskritik Shaikshanik Va Samajik Sanstha, Maharashtra, is active in the field of theatre, folk arts, music, education, tribal development, environment and woman empowerment. Besides productions, the group also conducts theatre workshops for amateur theatre artists.
Cast & Credits
On stage Aniruddha Wankar, Mangesh Meshram, Anil Ovhal,
Sheshpal Ganvir, Yogesh Raut, Harendra Ramteke,
Samyak Wankar, Arvind Khandare, Kshama Wase,
Priya Ubale, Swati Bhasarkar
Light Shivprasad Gond
Harmonium Anil Dongare
Dholki Ishwar Khobragade
Organ Lokesh Durge
Octopod Vipin Raut
Chorus Suresh Khobragade
Make-up Priti Ramteke
Set & Property Yuvraj Chunarkar
Playwright Sangeeta Tiple
Director Aniruddha Wankar