User:English Honours DDUC/Unraveling "SOI SUBAH KI KHOI DASTAN"
Soi subah ki khoi dastan
True education unites...or divides?
With young,innocent school kids as the protagonists and the opressive society as antagonist,this seemingly simple play has several complex,thought-provoking themes interwoven within it.While on one hand,it is a celebration of the youthful,innocence of children,as they take flight in their imagination,travelling in their dream world of perfection,where they can shape and reshape their ambitions.On the other hand,it also paints a gory picture of a world where there is no hope and the children have to "adhere".The play also invokes us to think about our very existence in a society which does not 'let us be'.the child is torn apart by these conflicts which can prove dangerous,as many are not able to copewith the stress and commit suicide.In the play,the character "ummeed" loses all ummeed and attempts to reconcile himself only through death,searching for the elusive,ideal world,symbolised in the play by the white flying bird.
- the play is on the lines of Dario Fo kind of theatre,which is created with issues concerning
common,ordinary people with the aim of bringing about a change.That is exactly what this particular play looks to incite.
- Several meaningful questions arose as the play progressed,some of which are:
- Is education meant to create divide or bridge the gap?
- what do we do in a world which does not let us live our lives the way we want to?
- Are we putting undue pressure on the kids?
- Is it fair for parents to see their future in their children?
- Shouldn't the elders behave more respomsibly?
- Is there 'ummeed' left?
These are some of the questions that the play raises.
- The immediate theme becomes more pertinent if we consider the immediate reality surrounding us.
The authorities are trying to attract foreign universities to set up their shops here,by introducing the unpopular semester system in the undergraduate courses of the Delhi University.Thereby,creating an environment where only the rich get access to education.This is also contradictory,given the fact that the Indian government recently passed a law making Right to Education compulsory for all.
- It was refreshing,as a viewer,to see a play with such a serious theme have lots of fun elements in it,
which made sure that the play gets across its message without being too heavy on the viewer.Also one would expect 'fun' to be a part of growing up years,when the mind is still away from the terrible influence of the corrupt world order.But it almost comes as a shock when we realize how quickly they seem to have grwon up ,trying desperately to create space for themselves.
- The characters in the play deserve a special mention,for trying their best to portray the conflicts and
the dualities arising in a competitive,ruthless world.While all the actors played their part competently,i would just like to mention some of the people i know for want of time: Bhavna,very subtly yet poignantly portrayed the fear that possess all children very early on in their lives-whether to listen to your hearts or do what others want you to do.The angst and trauma that the child undergoes was shown nicely by her. Ruby is the surprise package just like she was in Gulgulee Circus.She has really transformed herself,from being a shy,reserved girl to this expressive,powerhouse performer. Ghazal was at her spontaneous best. Abishekh advocated letting children be themselves,doing things they wish to do and is a voice againstthe forces that curb this.He is a free bird.
- Though the play could have been better edited as it seemed preechy at times but again that's
because of are fast-paced life that we don't tolerate things like this.The play is not at fault.The play,however,is a sincere attempt to make people think about the 'real' meaning of education and in this attempt it fairly succeeds.
