To invoke a consciousness of our surroundings and prevailing realities, a theater group, Safdhar Hashmi Open Theater, has come up with a five-day festival, inviting varied theater groups from the state. The open grounds of the Keyes High School make for an ideal venue, accommodating thousands of people.
This seems to be the first of its kind in the state, meant to provoke the spirits of the masses. Let's peep into what they are up to! "Halla Bol", by the East Godavari troupe of Andhra Praja Natya Mandali, was the very first play, and was thought-provoking, straightaway. It narrates the story of toiling workers and the problems they face when fighting for their rights. Originally performed in Hindi by Safdhar Hashmi's 'Jana Natya Manch', this was improvised in Telugu for the local audience.
"Street plays performed with a social message would go a long way in enlightening the common people, especially the youth and the workers," commented the Labor Minister Mr C Krishna Yadav, who was the chief guest for the evening. The aim of the theater festival is to bring to the forefront and propagate the message of the toiling masses.
SHOT has, for the last two years, been serving as a forum for expressing solidarity with workers. The present festival is expected to showcase more than 20 plays till December 30th.
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