IWK

Dildar to steal hearts next weekend

Written by IWK Bureau | Mar 31, 2011 11:44:37 AM

Buoyed by the grand success of its previous plays “Zimmedari” – in 2008 and “Ballabhpur Ki Kahani” in 2010, Rangmanch presents its latest Hindi production “Dildar” at the Raye Freedman Arts Centre, Epsom Girls grammar School Auditorium in Auckland next weekend.

The show on Friday, April 8, is a fundraiser for the Indian Weekender Make a difference to St John Ambulance project, which is aimed at donating a fully equipped ambulance to the St John Ambulance Brigade from New Zealand’s Indian community.

The proceeds of the fundraising show will all be donated to this cause (see end of story for ticketing information).

“Dildar – The untold story of an Artist” is set in the northern Indian city of Lucknow is about a simple person but an artist at heart Dildar, who is loved by all for his simplicity and golden heart.

The many twists and turns in his artistic life and the kaleidoscope of circumstances that shape him and his outlook are the leitmotif of the play, which is an inspired adaptation of a popular Somerset Maugham short story.

Poverty, hardships and a heartless social system force Dildar to forgo his artistic pursuits and take up a salesman’s job with a flourishing shoe merchant.

His unfulfilled artistic aspirations keep disturbing him no end and spiritually he finds himself struggling every now and then, searching for his true identity.

But as a result of a lottery win, society, with all its known and unknown evils come to the fore trying to lure him, which Dildar thinks of as unethical and abstains from getting involved.

In this kaleidoscopic background he comes in contact with a downtrodden destitute girl. Her simplicity, high moral values and sense of self-respect create a stunning impact in his mind. Dildar develops a unique bond with the girl and the events that follow change his life.

Dildar is the common man who goes out of way to help all who come to him. If not with anything tangible – it is with his love, sympathy and understanding.

He seeks the path of truth and spirituality thorough acts of benevolence towards the poor and the down trodden.

How far he succeeds or will Dildar succeed at all?

The play is directed by Jayanta Bhaduri, and has a cast of 23 actors. The play with a run time of two and quarter hours is spread across as many as eight scenes and promises to be as interesting as Rangmanch’s previous offerings.
 


For tickets to the Friday April 8 show, please call 021-1712777 or 021-2311131. The price of the tickets is $50, being a fundraiser for the Make a Difference to St John project.