Gaare Ki Deevar Opens June 20th
A solid Hindi play uncovers hollow success in a comic way
Seattle, WA May 26, 2008
Pratidhwani - a Seattle area based organization of South Asian performing artists - continues its exploration of modern Hindi plays with the first ever production of well known Hindi playwright Narendra Kohli's Gaare Ki Deevar (Mud Wall) anywhere outside India. The production is directed by Seattle local Agastya Kohli, who continues as the lead for Pratidhwani's Drama wing, to direct his 5th hindi play in Seattle area. Gaare ki Deevar is a comedy in Hindi that keeps the audience amused by its characters who surprise each other with their unprecedented reactions in some what unexpected circumstances. The play underlines the talent of wishful superior appearance that many people unknowingly adapt in a stature driven society. The play hilariously demonstrates how people would do anything to maintain the appearance of such hollow success.
"This is a play that starts with a very ordinary incident in a very ordinary household, but with every passing moment, layers of lies and secrets are peeled off to reveal the reality of this family..." said Director Kohli - "... a reality, that is not limited to any country or segment of society, but something universal to all humanity, which we all must learn to recognize and correct."
Unlike some of the previous Pratidhwani productions, Gaare Ki Deevar will have a shorter, limited engagement of only three shows spread over Friday and Saturday, June 20th and 21st, 2008 at the Ethnic Cultural Theatre, University of Washington. The Ethnic Cultural Center/Theatre is a co-sponsor and partner in this production.
Gaare ki Deevar is yet another opportunity for Hindi speakers to experience quality modern Hindi theatre right here in Seattle. Those who have experienced the series of Hindi plays produced by Pratidhwani in last few years in the Seattle area are likely to find Gaare Ki Deevar to be yet another gem. And for those who have some how not been able to attend, Pratidhwani's superior script selection and high production quality make these plays a unique experience - one that is not to be missed.
Gaare Ki Deevar
– Performance Information
http://www.pratidhwani.org/gkd
June 20, 2008 - 8:00pm
June 21, 2008 - 2:00pm and 8:00pm
All performances will be at:
Ethnic Cultural Theatre, UW
3940 Brooklyn Ave NE
(Corner of 40th and Brooklyn)
Seattle, WA
Admission:
General: $12 at the door, $10 in advance
Pratidhwani Members: $10 at the door, $8 in advance
UW Students: $5 at the door, $3 in advance
Continued...
Narendra Kohli - Playwright
Narendra Kohli is one of the most prominent Hindi language author of modern times. Leader of cultural
renaissance in Hindi literature in modern times, his legendary works include all time greats like "Abhyudaya", "Mahasamar", "Vasudeva" and "Todo, Kara Todo". In recognition of his great literary presence, the post 1985 period is termed as 'Kohli Yuga'. His contribution to Hindi literature is often compared to the legendary writer Premchand. Narendra Kohli is a novelist, short story writer, playwright, and satirist. Despite being all this, he is very different from his contemporary authors. His contributions towards enrichment of literature and society's progress are obvious. Gaare Ki Deevar is the fourth play written by Dr. Kohli that Pratidhwani has staged after Hatyaare (2005), Provident Fund (2005) and Sangharsh Ki Oar (2005 and again in 2006).
Agastya Kohli – Director
Agastya Kohli has worked both back stage, as well as acted on stage with ReAct Theatre, Theatre Schmeater, SIS Productions, Pork Filled Players, Driftwood Players, ECT and others. He was most recently seen on stage in React's Prelude to a Kiss and Northwest Playwrights Alliance's Doubleshot Festival. A Telecom Engineer by day, Agastya also teaches Hindi at Gurukul (www.gurukul-wa.org) - a local Indian language school - on Sundays. Agastya has been the lead of Pratidhwani's drama wing since 2005. During this time, the Drama Wing has produced many shows in Hindi, English and Bangla, which have been performed in Seattle and Vancouver BC. Gaare Ki Deevar is the second Pratidhwani Drama Wing presentation of 2008.
Pratidhwani
Pratidhwani is a non-profit cultural organization based in the Seattle area. We are, at our core, a group of professionals of Indian heritage, who are extremely enthusiastic and passionate about the artistic traditions of our homeland. The main objective of the organization is the promotion and cultivation of the performing arts of the Indian subcontinent. Recognizing that the performing arts of India encompass a vast and varied number of styles, genres and traditions, different wings of the organization provide a platform for as many art forms as we can.
Ethnic Cultural Center / Theatre
In support of the UW goals, the ECC/T promotes an inclusive and educational environment by providing programs and services which enhances the communication and exchange of multicultural perspectives and values. The UW Ethnic Cultural Center provides programs and a learning environment where students and student organizations collaborate, develop, and implement programs while building leadership and organizational skills. Our mission at the UW Ethnic Cultural Center/ Theatre is to provide productions and events that expose the campus community to the richness of ethnicity, culture and theatre. The ECT works to create an avenue to inspire local artists and young people to take an interest in the University.
