Natrang’s Internationally acclaimed Dogri play ‘Ghumayee’ (a wail) written and Directed by Balwant Thakur has been selected for being featured in the Commonwealth Games-2010, Delhi

News(01.09.2010):Balwant Thakur’s Dogri play ‘Ghumayee’ to feature in Commonwealth Games, New Delhi.

Natrang’s Internationally acclaimed Dogri play ‘Ghumayee’ (a wail) written and Directed by Balwant Thakur has been selected for being featured in the Commonwealth Games-2010, Delhi. This is yet another International recognition for the theatre of Jammu and Kashmir which will go a long way in establishing this part of the country as producer of world class theatre. 

This play of Natrang has already made a mark in the International Theatre arena by featuring in six International Theatre festivals last year in September when the group traveled to Russia, Germany and other countries and successfully presented its shows. In connection with the Commonwealth Games-2010, a theatre festival of Internationally acclaimed plays is being organised in the first week of October, 2010 and Natrang’s Ghumayee will be presented on 7th of October, 2010. Other eminent Directors whose plays have been selected for this Global theatre event include, Habib Tanveer, K.N. Pannikar, Rattan Thiyam, and B. Jayashree. 

Responding on this rarest achievement, Natrang director Balwant Thakur said that selection of Natrang’s ‘Ghumayee’ for Commonwealth Games is another historic accomplishment of Dogri language Culture and theatre. This play and its team of actors, designers, musicians and technicians will remembered for ages for bringing pride and glory for their homeland. In Commonwealth Games Delhi since the play is being showcased for the International audience and it will be presented with English/Chinese/Russian sub-titles. 

Before the group leaves for Commonwealth Games, New Delhi, Natrang is planning to have a series of its shows in Jammu so as to provide yet another opportunity to the audience here to see this theatrical wonder of world class.

“GHUMAYEE” is a play based on Dogri Folk Tale of a hilly village and opens with a 'VIDAI' scene after the solemnization of marriage and bride is being carried in a 'Doli' to her in-law’s place. As the tough climb begins, thirsty 'Dulhan' asks for water. 

Her request is laughed away and no heed is paid. As the track becomes strenuous, her thirst intensifies and repeated entreaties end up in assurance of water at next available source. A stage is reached when thirst becomes unbearable and (Doli is put down) journey is put to halt. All and one are requested to do the needful and arrange for water. In the quest a water source is sited but is miles deep down in a gorge, which is extremely difficult to reach. 

Repeated requests of bridegroom fail to evoke any response, as the job requires superhuman effort. The plight of 'Dulhan' prompts a young man to volunteer for the job. All present warn him of the probable consequences but he is undeterred. During the ensuing discussions, the groom in an insolent tone bets away his bride in lieu of water. Thus begins the struggle for water. The young man, putting his life in extreme danger, overcomes all hurdles and ultimately succeeds in bringing the water. 

As bride quenches her thirst, the young man falls dead, out of sheer exhaustion. In stunned atmosphere, ‘Baraties’ decide to continue with the journey but ‘Dulhan’ refuses to do so. She declares herself a widow and cries out a wail (Ghumayee) sanctifying the significance of human relationship over the most prized relationship of marriage bound by mere rituals.