The fictional town of Baklaulgunj in Pune is grappling with a major issue – corruption. From the mayor to the education minister and even the postmaster, everyone seems to be involved in unscrupulous activities. However, a ray of hope arrives in the form of Aala Afsar, a character sent by higher authorities to clean up the corruption. Namaste Theatre presents Aala Afsar, a hilarious yet thought-provoking political satire in Hindi, showcasing the antics of a cast of 23 local actors.
Director Shrikant Gadage, the mastermind behind the play, sheds light on the theme, stating, This play humorously highlights the prevalent corruption in our society. While everyone is fed up with it, we can’t deny that people are tempted by the opportunities it presents. After its successful debut last April and another play titled Where Is Your Iron?, Namaste Theatre brings back Aala Afsar for a single show on Sunday, January 28, at The Auditorium in Elpro City Mall, Chinchwad, starting at 6 pm. The performance is organized to celebrate the theater group’s 12th anniversary, and entry is free for all those interested in experiencing the art form.
Gadage further expressed his concerns regarding the declining interest in theater, blaming the excessive use of digital media. In an effort to revive the passion for theater, Namaste Theatre invites individuals to join their group, regardless of prior experience in acting or theater. Gadage emphasizes that the group encourages participants interested in other aspects of theater as well, such as directing, writing, lighting, and set designing. The group meetings are held daily from 5-10 pm, accommodating individuals’ work schedules.
Looking towards the future, Namaste Theatre aims to introduce an English play to diversify the options available to the audience. Gadage acknowledges that while there are numerous Hindi and Marathi plays staged in Pune every weekend, the English plays are scarce. By incorporating more English plays into our repertoire, we hope to attract a different set of audiences, he explained.
As the fictional world of Baklaulgunj comes to life on stage, Aala Afsar promises to entertain, provoke thought, and create awareness about the prevalent corruption in society. Namaste Theatre’s dedication to the art form of theater, expressed through their invitation to anyone curious about theater, is commendable. With their mission to bring theater back into the spotlight, they open the doors to enthusiastic participants who want to explore the multifaceted world of theater. So mark your calendars for the upcoming performance of Aala Afsar, and join the laughter and reflection it has to offer.
