Three-day programme on puppets

Bhopal, May 04: A novel three-day programme based on puppets is being organised at Ravindra Bhawan here from May 6. Culture, Public Relations and Mineral Resources Minister Laxmikant Sharma would inaugurate the three-day 'Putul Samaroh' on May 6 at 7 pm. The programme is being organised by Directorate of Culture.

Puppet shows 'Amar Singh Rathore' and 'Ramayan' would be staged on the first day by Udaipur's famous institution Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal. The novel experiment of presenting Ramayan with the help of 110 puppets is indeed very commendable. This novel and difficult experiment was undertaken for the first time about 45 years ago by exponent of traditional arts the late Devilal Samar. Padmashri late Samar had immensely contributed in conservation and preservation of Rajasthan's traditions and culture. It is the first presentation of this experiment in Bhopal. Similarly, puppet show 'Amar Singh Rathore' is also very popular.

On the second day of Putul Samaroh, puppet shows 'Chandalika' and 'Rabiranjani' directed by Arjman Choudhary would be staged through 'Da-Pu-Fi'. This is also a novel programme, which has been prepared by 'Da-Pu-Fi' by amalgamating dance, puppet show and film. This experiment gives an special aura to the character of 'Chandalika' on the stage. These works based on famous poet Rabindranath Tagore have drawn encomiums in the country as well as abroad. This experiment was made in 1960's by famous ballet exponent the late Udai Shankar and had become almost extinct by the arrival of 1970's. Parma Radhika Bannerjee revived this form in the beginning of 1990's.

On May 9, the concluding day, Putul Nache Ashar group of Chandigarh would stage five presentations with the coordination of Subhashish and Niyogi. These include 'Alsi Cheeku', 'Fifty-Fifty', 'Bechara Polybag', 'Mother Earth Se Kuchh Baat Cheet' and 'Bhangra Dance'. The last presentation 'Sankalp' would be staged under the direction of Mrudula Kelkar by Winter Green of Pune. Directorate of Culture is organising this three-day programme especially for children during the summer vacations. Entry is free on all the three days.