AHMEDABAD, Oct 31: `Dhartiputra', a play on Sardar Vallabhai Patel, was staged in front of a select audience at the Hutheesing amphitheatre on Saturday night, the eve of Patel's 125th birth anniversary.The contemporary play produced by Rangbahar highlighted not only the life of Sardar, but also political equations at that time. Directed by Varun Maira, the play successfully brings to light sensitive issues like Patel's ideological differences with the Mahatma, his stand on the the issue of giving Pakistan Rs 55 crore and the choice of Nehru as Prime Minister.
The play makes several oblique references to historical events, which have a bearing on today's political environment. Twenty-two incidents from the life of Sardar have been selected for the play.
However, some events have been dramatised to make the play relevant in the present context. The play depicts the transformation of Sardar from a lawyer, cynical about Gandhiji's ideology, to a freedom fighter. His success in agitations and integration of princely states have been highlighted.
The director has succeeded in bringing out Sardar's sense of humour and wit. It also depicts Sardar's contribution to civic amenities like water supply lines, drainage systems and the idea of Relief Road in the city.
Copyright © 1999 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.