Solo act drama performances, especially in Punjabi theatre, are a rarity in the region for the simple reason that the performer needs to be very versatile in all myriad aesthetics of dramatic art.
However, living up to his reputation as prolific writer, lyricist, film and TV actor Rana Ranbir shined through in a solo act play ‘Khetan da Putt’ staged under the aegis of Darling Buds in association with Suchetak Rang Manch at the Tagore Theatre on Monday.
The 7th edition of the play, directed by Rupinderjit from Canada, is based on popular poetry of Punjabi poet Avatar Singh Sandhu, also known as Pash, who has been hailed as the literary exponent of the suffering peasantry of the region.
Ranbir Rana took the centre stage after a hiatus of 18 years only to shine through in the 70-minute solo spectacle enlivening the philosophy and ideology of Pash.
Rana weaved the script with oblique references of poems like ‘Bedakhli layi vinay patar’, ‘Dharma layi deekhsha patar’, ‘Supneyan da marjana’ and more.
He employed his literary acumen and theatrical skills to depict the struggle of Pash and his times from darkness to enlightenment through dramatic narrations of Pash’s poetry, pages from his diary and letters. Musical compositions by H Guddu rendered by Harinder Hundal augmented the otherwise sleek performance.
{{/usCountry}}He employed his literary acumen and theatrical skills to depict the struggle of Pash and his times from darkness to enlightenment through dramatic narrations of Pash’s poetry, pages from his diary and letters. Musical compositions by H Guddu rendered by Harinder Hundal augmented the otherwise sleek performance.
{{/usCountry}}Acclaimed Punjabi folk singer Pammi Bai blessed Rana and backstage artists.