Drama fest opens with Hindi adaptation of Chekhov story

SD Sharma

Chandigarh, November 21

‘Khwaahish’, a musical play and Hindi adaptation of ‘The Shoemaker and the Devil’, a story by Anton Chekhov, was staged on the opening day of a drama festival, Rang Sanchaar-2018, at Tagore Theatre here today.

The three-day festival is being organised by Satvik Arts. Shivam, who penned the play, was part of the directorial team which included Raja Subramaniyam and SS Sidhu. Durgesh Attwal gave the musical score.

The play depicted the sordid tale of a poverty-stricken cobbler, Fyodor, who after being mocked by rich people is caught by surreal web of dreams of wealth and riches. On the advice of a customer, he submits to the devil who strikes a deal to make him very rich but sought his soul in return. Fyodor agrees on a condition that he gets to live out his rich life.

Fyodor initially loves this life but things change soon as despite being a rich person now, he followed the lifestyle and mannerism of a cobbler, thereby earning the wrath of society. Finally, he realises that a rich life was not all he wanted. He is taken to hell.

The play brings home the fact that “The grass is always greener on the other side. Being happy has nothing to do with being rich or poor, but with how well you handle your inner self”.

The fest will see staging of a play, ‘Chanakya’, tomorrow.