‘Heer Ranjha’ leaves audience awestruck

SD Sharma

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Chandigarh, May 12

The five-day theatrical spectacle, ‘Heer Ranjha, concluded at the Balwant Gargi Open Air Theatre here today.

The play was the annual production of the Department of Indian Theatre. The audience were awe-inspired by the stage sets — houses of Heer, Ranjha, Saida, Tilla Jogi, Balnath and the ‘Jhnaa’river.

The play opened with romantic young Ranjha relishing melodic music emanating from his flute. He was later rebuked by his sister-in-law. He, however, leaves his place and lands at Jhang, where he falls in love with Heer, much to the annoyance of her uncle Qaidon. Heer is forced to marry Saida and later elopes with Ranjha. However, they caught and meet a tragic end.

It was indeed a challenge for young director Navdeep Kaur, who conceptualised, designed and directed the play, to bring alive the love legend of Heer-Ranjha. He was supported by Tejinder Gill, Assistant Director, Department of Youth Welfare, PU, and Souti Chakraborty from the National School of Drama.

Written by Ekam Manuke, the play depicted multi dimensional aspects depicting the life, traditions and folk music.