“A typical Mumbaiya play”, was perhaps an apt comment by a spectator watching ‘Aao Saathi Sapna Dekhen’ staged at Rai Umanath Bali auditorium as part of Bharat Rang Mahotav on Saturday evening.

Produced by Actors’ Cult Theatre Group, Mumbai, the play was a sheer joy to watch. With the plot simple, dialogues meaningful and performances powerpacked, the viewers who had thronged in large numbers could not have asked

for more.

The plot is set in Chandni Chowk of old Delhi and the story revolves around a young boy Baiju and a neighborhood girl Gauraiya.

These two children have been brought up by their respective fathers.

In spite of belonging to different faiths both the fathers connive to bring the children together. Baiju and Gauraiya fall in love and from here on the play takes a philosophical turn tracing and talking of dream and then harsh realities.

The highlight of play full of innovative and hilarious devices is that it doesn't lack a subtle message. In fact, the message blooms as the play does.

Stars of the play are it’s performers who do everything - dance, sing, perform acrobats and improvise - to make the audience smile through out.

The director as lead singer gives the correct tone to the play and controls its tempo with his powerful and melodious voice. The chorus with its lively dances and songs electrify the stage for two hours. Hindi adaptation of Tom Jones’ The Fantastic is done Harsh Khurana.

The lyrics penned by the director Swanand Kikrkire and the music designed by Sneha Khanwalkar adds a joyful theatrical motion to the events.

Kikrkire, who is also a National Award winner lyricist, has done a commendable job of entertaining audiences without compromising on the aesthetic parameters.

Aurangzeb's fanaticism

Play ‘Aurangzeb’ staged at Sangeet Natak Academy was based on the last days of Emperor Aurangzeb, when he realised that fanaticism cannot be the basis for the administration of a nation. The cast includes Debshankar Halder, Bijoy Laxmi Burman and Rwita Dutta Chakraborty among others. Performed by Rangapat, play has been directed by Harimadhav Mukhopadhyay.

Sunday night attraction: