From Satire to Soul-Stirring Reality: IPTA National Theatre Festival Opens with a Powerful Call to Save Culture

 Ananya soch: On the occasion of World Theatre Day, the iconic Ravindra Manch came alive with the grand Opening of the three-day IPTA National Theatre Festival. The event began with the official global message from the International Theatre Institute, authored by renowned American actor Willem Dafoe, currently serving as Artistic Director of the Venice Theatre.

The message, eloquently read by veteran theatre director Zafar Khan, emphasized that even a single spectator gives meaning and life to theatre, urging that “the show must never stop.

A Play That Mirrors Society: “Jamun Ka Ped”

The highlight of the opening day was the gripping play “Jamun Ka Ped”, presented by Rangshilp Natya Samiti. Directed by Gurminder Singh Puri (Romi), the play is based on the sharp writing of Krishan Chander.

This satirical masterpiece strikes hard at bureaucratic red-tapism, lack of humanity, and administrative apathy. Through a symbolic narrative, it draws parallels between a collapsing system and the deteriorating condition of Ravindra Manch itself—cracked walls, leaking roofs, and neglected infrastructure standing as silent witnesses to cultural decay.

Story Summary: A Tragic Satire of System Failure

The story revolves around a common man trapped under a jamun tree in a government complex. Instead of rescuing him, officials indulge in blame games, pushing files endlessly through bureaucratic loops. By the time permission arrives to cut the tree, the man has already died. Blending humor, irony, and deep emotion, the play exposes the insensitivity and inefficiency embedded in the system, while also reflecting society’s superficiality and self-interest.

Stellar Cast & Creative Team

The stage featured powerful performances by Ashok Maheshwari, Jitendra Sharma, Rajendra Sharma Raju, Neeraj Goswami, Ishwar Dutt Mathur, Moinuddin Khan, Alok Chaturvedi, Dhanraj Dadhich, Deepak Kathuria, Yadvendra Yadav, Lokesh Kumar Singh Sahil, Kavitesh, Shreya Vyas, Mihija, and others.

Backstage brilliance included:

• Violin: Gulzar Hussain

• Lights: Anil Marwadi

• Sound: Manoj Swami

• Stage Design: Ankit Sharma “Nonu”

Adaptation by Neeraj Goswami and soulful music by Lokesh Kumar Singh Sahil enriched the performance.

A Cultural Cry for Revival

Beyond entertainment, the play emerged as a symbolic plea to preserve Jaipur’s cultural heritage. Ravindra Manch, portrayed as a fallen tree, stands awaiting revival—just like the buried artist within.