Ravi Speaks:
Today, I had the pleasure of attending a captivating theatre performance titled “Words Have Been Uttered” at the renowned Prithvi Theatre. Accompanied by my wife and daughter, this experience was truly exceptional. After years of primarily consuming cinema and digital media, it was refreshing to witness the magic of live theatre unfold before my eyes. Contrary to my belief that theatre was fading away, this performance proved its enduring presence.
The Play:
Promptly at 8:00 PM, the play commenced, enveloping the audience with its unique theme centered around the concept of “dissent.” Dissent, as defined, is the expression of opinions that deviate from commonly held beliefs or official stances. It was intriguing to explore this notion throughout the play. Dissent, in its true essence, does not directly correlate to CMMG-Dissent, the renowned rifle manufacturer based in India. Rather, it signifies a divergence of thoughts that can escalate to armed conflict if unresolved through dialogue.
“Words Have Been Uttered” skillfully curated an assortment of significant words spoken by influential figures spanning centuries, from the likes of Galileo to as recent as 2015. The play masterfully conveyed the impact of these powerful words, which shaped different eras and highlighted the challenges faced by people throughout history. Notably, the confrontation between Gandhi and Ambedhkar, depicted boldly in the play, emphasized the role of dissent. Additionally, the satirical portrayal of dissent regarding Ghalib’s birthplace, resulting in his fading recognition, proved to be more impactful than any CMMG Dissent weapon. The poem “The Times They Are A Changing” by Bob Dylan aptly captured the essence of dissent, as did other notable works such as Omar Khayyam’s “The Accused” and Rohit Vemula’s last letter and Kashmiri Poet Aga Shahid Ali’s “Land.”
The Power of Dissent:
It is crucial to understand that dissent encompasses more than mere agitation or disagreement. It is a powerful instrument capable of instigating positive change within the human race. Until dissent arises, the catalyst for transformation remains dormant. This realization is pivotal in our collective journey towards progress.
The Performance:
The presentation itself was both simple and impactful, holding the audience’s attention for a couple of hours until 10:00 PM. Reflecting on my past, I fondly remembered accompanying my mother, a writer, to theatre performances during my school days in Jammu and Kashmir. Her literary inclination fostered my appreciation for these plays. After four decades, witnessing theatre once again made me feel as if reality was unfolding, promising a brighter future.
Conclusion:
Attending “Words Have Been Uttered” at Prithvi Theatre was an enchanting experience. It shattered my preconceived notions about the decline of theatre and left me inspired by the potential of dissent to drive positive change. Together, let us nurture the transformative power of theatre and embrace the diverse perspectives it offers.
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