Jain Journal 1980 01

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 36

108
JAIN JOURNAL
repose, soft looks and delicate form. While she was sitting in the attitude of meditation beneath a tree the glory of the Master's presence was unconsciously redolent by a sculpturesque shadow that fell at the background due to the effect of lighting. Such a situation was extremely artistic in appeal and may be yearned after by devotees. To individuals the shadow could be more appealing than any histrionics on stage. The parts played by Sm. Chandraprabha Kochar as Indrabhuti and by Sm. Swapna Lunia as Somila were also fascinating especially during moments of uncertainty and inner conflicts. The roles of Sm. Mina Sethia and Sm. Sangita Bothra respectively as Agnibhuti and Vayubhuti were also faithful in respect of the occasion when an Aryan religion of unmeasured past that registered its faith in the Vedas had been challenged by a thinker of warrior-clan who preferred to propagate his views in the Prakrit, the language of the masses instead of in Sanskrit, the language of the gods’. Herein lies the difference between the symposium of Plato and the dialogue of Mahavira. Actually, the drama Gautama Pịcchā has beautifully reminisced an important moment of the past. The roles of Metarya, Vyakta, Acalabhrata, Sunanda and the stranger played respectively by Sm. Laksmi Surana, Sm. Promila Kochar, Sm. Promila Baid, Sm. Usha Gupta and Sm. Sarita Jain will also deserve praise. While due credit should go to Sri Kanti Srimal and Sm. Rajkumari Begani for their direction of the stage-version of the drama that evinced a considerable artistry the entire performance had been charmingly accompanied by the undertones of music as produced by Sri Robi Biswas and his party. The costumes supplied by Rupayan, Calcutta, and the lighting arranged by Sri Anil Saha duly added to the grace and dignity of the performance.
The drama Gautama Pịcchã will remain memorable for its theme that enlivens an episode of the past that is both sublime and scintillating.