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Narmad:
my life is a multimedia play presentation based on the life of the
fascinating, multifaceted life of Narmad who was born on August 24, 1833
and died in 1886.
The
play has created a milestone in the Gujarati Theater, being the first show
to be produced in the US and then brought to India. This is also the first
one-man show based on real life.
The
play starts with the scene of Narmad writing his autobiography, and in a
total of 22 scenes in 120 minutes, weaves the life of Narmad: a sobbing
Narmad, shaken by the disastrous fire in Surat; Narmad , who got married
at the age of 11, lost his first wife during pregnancy, and who marries a
widow, Dahigauri; young Narmad who charms his father with his poetry;
orator and reformer Narmad who holds audiences spellbound; a carefree
Narmad charming rich women; alcoholic Narmad; and finally a repenting
Narmad.
The
play, currently being performed in Gujarati and English has captured the
heart of audiences and critics alike. The scholars who have studied Narmad
in depth, have been pleased with the authenticity of the play. The play
has been performed throughout the USA and in theaters in Mumbai and in 20
cities in Gujarat including Ahmedabad, Surat, Bhavnagar, at the invitation
of the Ministry of Information in Gujarat. The play is going to a number
of European cities as well, and Spanish, Italian and French translations
are also planned.
Narmad
was a fearless writer and public speaker, with the zeal of a crusader.
Through his writings, he enriched Gujarati language. He pioneered many
literary forms such as autobiography, grammar, poetics, dictionary,
historical plays, research in folk literature, to name a few. He was also
an aggressive journalist and a pamphleteer.
Narmad
was a strong opponent of religious fanaticism and orthodoxy. He kindled
the light of nationalism and patriotism, wrote about self government and
talked about one national language, Hindi, for all of India, nearly five
decades before Mahatma Gandhi or Nehru.
In short,
he was the icon of change, a crusader of social reforms, and a singer of
the glory of India and Gujarat.
The idea
for this multimedia play was originally conceived by the India Foundation
of Dayton and Dr. Harish Trivedi, writer and
director of the play who has made an in-depth study of Narmad's life.
Trivedi holds a doctorate in theater and communications from Michigan
State University.
The actor
of the play, Mr. Chandrakant (Chandu) Shah, is a well-known actor, writer,
producer, and poet. He is founder of the AVANTAR THEATER GROUP in Bombay
and in Boston, USA where he is currently living.
The
project had received a grant from the Arts and Cultural Alliance of the
Miami Valley and Culture Works, and the Montgomery County Regional Arts
and Culture Council. It was offered in India with the co-operation of
Kala-Gurjari, Mumbai. Music was offered by Ajit Sheth and Kshemu Divetia.
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