During Yuva Natya Samaroh 2024’s spectacular five-day run, the LTG Auditorium was filled with the dynamic energy of young theatrical makers. Hosted by Sahitya Kala Parishad, Yuva Natya Samaroh received positive feedback from the audience. From January 8 to 12, the festival showcased the talents of up-and-promising theatre artists and performers, creating a space to celebrate the diversity and creativity within the realm of theatre. Each day’s interesting lineup of plays examined various aspects of the human experience, captivating the audience with thought-provoking narratives and exceptional performances.
Day one: Unveiling Historical Echoes and Modern Dilemmas
The festival began with two compelling plays that left the audience spellbound. “Rang De Basanti,” directed by Varun Sharma, took the audience on a dramatic historical journey, delving into the socio-political environment leading to the historic Jallianwala Bagh massacre. The second performance, “Jaisa Tum Kaho,” directed by Shampa Mandal, brought a contemporary family drama to life, exploring the challenges faced by young people fascinated by opportunities abroad.
Day two: A Blend of Laughter and Empowerment
On day two, Yuva Natya Samaroh 2024 continued to enthrall the audience with exceptional performances. The evening opened with the thought-provoking play ‘Chehre,’ skillfully directed by Avinash Singh, unfolding hilarious events as villagers take shelter in a ruined building during a downpour. Another highlight was ‘Mujhe Amrita Chaiye,’ a touching drama by Yogesh Tripathi and directed by Manisha Malhotra. The play intricately explored themes of women’s empowerment through Vijaya’s transformative journey in the world of theatre, offering a potent testimonial to the power of artistic expression.
Day three: Exploring Sin, Virtue, and Modern Relationships
The third day of Yuva Natya Samaroh 2024 commenced with ‘Chitralekha,’ Bhagwati Charan Verma’s seminal novel that not only marked his emergence as a renowned novelist but also garnered a lot of popularity. Published in 1934, the narrative delves into the complexities of sin and virtue as disciples seek answers from Mahaprabhu Ratnakar. Film adaptations in 1940 and 1964 testified to its enduring impact. The evening featured the theatrical production “Papa,” written by Sunil Raj and directed by Sunil Chauhan, exploring the intricate web of modern relationships. This gripping play, unfolding as a tale within a tale, beautifully portrayed the sweet and bitter nuances of human relations. Nishant Singh and Ankita Patnair’s impeccable performances added depth and emotion.
Day four: Revealing Hidden Facets and Honoring Bravery
The fourth day opened with ‘Kandhe pe betha tha Shaap,’ a touching creation by Dr. Meera Kant and skillfully directed by Raghvendra Tiwari. This play breathes life into overlooked facets, reinterpreting the feminine gender through Kajidas’ final poetic composition, unveiling his state of mind and unraveling the repercussions of human conspiracies. This was followed by a gripping portrayal of ‘Rejang La,’ written by Vivek Mishra and directed by Vikas Ravi, that took the audience to the battlefield of Rejangla in 1962. It showcased unwavering bravery, challenging stereotypes about soldiers, and emphasizing their human emotions, familial bonds, and resilient celebration of festivals amid adversity. The day concluded with a powerful message about the sacrifices of these brave sons, ensuring the nation’s safety and dispelling misconceptions about soldiers’ emotional depth and commitment beyond the battlefield.
Day five: Managing Transition Through the Nineties and Honouring Mathematical Brilliance
On the festival’s last day, the riveting play ‘Savant Aunty Ki Ladkiyan,’ based on Geet Chaturvedi’s novel and directed by Sandeep Rawat, unfolded the changing dynamics in the Sawant family during the 90s. The play delves into the evolving culture of an Indian family amidst liberalization. Following this was ‘Ramanujan,’ written by Pratap Sehgal and directed by Himanshu Yadav. Ramanujan” is a compelling play celebrating the extraordinary life and accomplishments of the Indian mathematical genius, Srinivasa Ramanujan. Depicting his journey from a humble clerk in Madras to a respected scholar in Cambridge, the play explores his challenges, including ill health and cultural differences. Despite limited resources, Ramanujan made significant contributions to number theory and infinite series. The play also delves into his profound bond with collaborator G. H. Hardy, paying tribute to Ramanujan’s enduring legacy and inspirational impact on generations of mathematicians.