Vemedh Rangmanch (Vomedh) Repertory Stages Powerful Play ‘Mar Kar Jeena’ on the inaugural day of 3 -Day “Pagah Theatre Festival” at Tagore Hall Srinagar
Rakesh Roshan Bhat’s “Mar Kar Jeena” receives standing ovation in Srinagar in Pagah Theatre Festival
Srinagar, July 30, 2024: A poignant and powerful portrayal of the emotional struggles faced by families of martyred soldiers, the Hindi play ‘Mar Kar Jeena,’ was staged on the inaugural day of 3-Day Pagah Theatre Festival organised by Vomedh group, captivating the audience at Tagore Hall today.
The Pagah Theatre Festival is being organised regularly by Vomedh with its 3rd edition beginning today with the play Mar Kar Jeena. The festival would showcase plays of various theatre groups till August01, 2024.
Written and directed by renowned playwright Rakesh Roshan Bhat and designed by Rohit Bhat, the play presented a deeply moving tribute to the sacrifices made by the armed forces and the enduring impact on their loved ones.
Departing from conventional narratives that often focus solely on battles and valour, “Mar Kar Jeena” delves into the raw and often unspoken emotional landscape of those left behind. The play poignantly illustrates the superficiality of fleeting public sentiment and highlights the profound and lasting grief that families grapple with.
The play revolves around the story of two close friends and soldiers, Captain Shivam and Major Puneet, who make the ultimate sacrifice during a terrorist attack on an army camp. Their souls, caught between worlds and awaiting emancipation, linger near the memorial erected in their honour. While Major Puneet finds solace in witnessing his young son Veer’s daily visits, Captain Shivam refuses to depart without his comrade. In a heart-wrenching turn of events, an accident involving Veer’s friend compels Major Puneet to relinquish his connection to offer his son one last goodbye.
The play’s intelligent structure allows the narrative to unfold in layers, keeping the audience deeply engrossed. The emotional weight of the story is masterfully balanced with moments of dark humour, adding further depth and prompting reflection.
Principal Secretary Department Culture Suresh Kumar Gupta IFS, who was the Chief Guest highly praised the concept and performance of the play saying this play has such a power to instil nationalism among youth and needs to be showcased all over India.
Director Rakesh Roshan Bhat, through his skilled direction, delivers a powerful and thought-provoking production that transcends entertainment, serving as a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict.
Rohit Bhat, Director of Vomedh, shared his vision for the play, stating, “This is our attempt to share the untold stories of martyrs, their sacrifices, and the emotional struggles their families face. We aim to take this play to various states, starting from Kashmir, to instil a sense of nationalism and appreciation for the armed forces among our youth, fostering a stronger bond between them.”
The performance featured a stellar cast who breathed life into the characters with their compelling performances which include Shazi Khan as Major Puneet, Kamakshya Dogra as Captain Shivam, Ishu Bharti Pandit as Veer, King C Bharati as Colonel Arya, Himangini Moza as Shivani, Tushar as Vinod, Bindiya Tickoo as Major Bindiya/Host, Suman as Dr. Riya, Shashank Singh Rajput as Person 1, Nikhil Khajuria as Person 2, Jang Bahadur as Person 3, Irfana Bano as Lady 1, Taiba as Lady 2, Bharti Kaul as Lady 3.
The production was brought to life with the dedicated efforts of the backstage crew: Costume Design: Bharti Kaul, Makeup: Sunny Mujjoo, Music Arrangement: Shazi Khan, Production Manager: Suman Bhat, Property & Backstage: Irfana Bano, Ridhima Kalsi, Aarohi Moza, Lights: Ravinder Sharma.
“Mar Kar Jeena” left the audience at Tagore Hall visibly moved, culminating in a heartfelt standing ovation, a testament to the play’s power, the cast’s talent, and the poignant message at its heart.
