Timeless novel "Kafan" by Premchand comes to life on stage with this captivating theatrical adaptation
The Darpan Theatre is set to stage a powerful production of Munshi Premchand's classic short story 'Kafan' on July 26, 8 pm at Lamakaan, Banjara Hills. The play, directed by Ali Ahmed, offers a poignant commentary on poverty, dehumanization, and social indifference, set against the backdrop of colonial India.
At the heart of the story are the characters Ghisu and Madhav, an impoverished, low-caste father-son duo who live in extreme destitution. When Madhav's wife dies in childbirth, they ask their fellow villagers for money to cremate her. However, instead of using the money for the funeral rites, they squander it on drinking and eating meat. Their justification? The living are in greater need of money than the dead.
The play explores themes of poverty, dehumanization, social indifference, and moral decay. It critiques the brutal realities of destitution, where basic human values and responsibilities are eroded by hunger, despair, and systemic oppression. The story sharply exposes the hypocrisy and social failures surrounding caste exploitation and economic injustice. It portrays the characters as victims of their harsh social environment, condemned to cycles of neglect and survival tactics that shock the conscience.
Suraj Meshram, who plays Ghisu, finds the layered nature of the character intriguing. He compares the emotional detachment of Ghisu and Madhav to the indifference people show towards one another today. "The story serves as a reminder not to let empathy fade in the face of life's hardships," he says.
Ali Ahmed finds the story of 'Kafan' compelling due to its portrayal of human complexity and the lingering trace of humanity within people, even in harsh circumstances. He believes that the play serves as a stark reminder of how poverty can strip people off their humanity.
Premchand’s work is known for its realistic characterization, social critique, and psychological depth, and 'Kafan' is no exception. It offers a powerful commentary on how poverty can corrode ethical norms and familial bonds, while implicitly questioning a society that tolerates such conditions without empathy or reform.
The performance of 'Nagaram' at Lamakaan is not to be missed. It promises to be a thought-provoking evening that will leave audiences reflecting on the state of society and the importance of empathy in the face of adversity."
- The portrayal of Ghisu and Madhav's indifference towards their wife's funeral rites in Premchand's 'Kafan' mirrors modern society's neglect in relationships and empathy towards each other.
- The home-and-garden segment of a society can reflect its culture, as the squandering of funds for a funeral in 'Kafan' signifies societal decay and moral degradation.
- The modern lifestyle, seemingly devoid of empathy and plagued by social indifference, can learn valuable lessons from the stark portrayal of poverty and human degradation in 'Kafan', a play set within the culture and context of colonial India.
