Written and Directed : Akhilendra Mishra Cast : Akhilendra Mishra
SHRIRAM KI PRATYANCHA Review
Mayanagri. The other name of Mumbai. Aptly explaining the shackles of maya ( material illusions ) that shroud this city.
And now, a mesmerizing performance of mythological storytelling attempts to cast aside all these illusions, and pave the way for timeless wisdom.
SHRIRAM KI PRATYANCHA, by actor and director Akhilendra Mishra, is a solo one-hour performance which is filled with ancient tales from the rich tapestry of Indian mythology.
The stage is bathed in a soft, ethereal glow, as the audience settles in anticipation of an evening promised to be filled with fascinating myths and fables.
The performance begins with the story of the most famous of all arrows in Ramayana - that of Shiva's Pinaka, which is broken by Rama because of his sheer cosmic power and righteousness.
However, Mishra takes the tale even further, by explaining the symbolism behind this tale. He explains that this was the divine's plan for shattering the ego and pride of all the gathered kings in Sita's swayamvar.
Mishra further goes on to narrate other stories from the Ramayana, where the divine masculine avatar of Rama and the divine feminine avatar of Sita take on different challenges to fulfill their soul's mission of breaking the various material illusions that plague the human world.
These four illusions are the arrogance of physical prowess; the arrogance of intellectualism; the arrogance of spiritual ascendance; and the arrogance of wealth. The 'I' or ego based on any of these material identities can condemn even powerful clans to ashes.
The performance moves in a circular narrative beginning and ending with a subtle yet powerful invocation to Lord Rama, which sets the tone for the journey ahead.
The tale travels from King Janaka's kingdom to Ravana's Lanka; from Prithvilok to the heavens; from past to present; with such deft weaving that the masterful storyteller commands attention throughout the time he remains on the stage.
Piecing together different mythological vignettes, Mishra weaves a tapestry of myths drawn from Hindu culture spanning epochs, effortlessly transporting us to distant realms where gods, heroes, and mythical creatures roamed.
What struck me most profoundly was the performer's ability to analyse fables with such spiritual depth and clarity. Yet, the narrative arc could have been more skillfully crafted, balancing moments of intense action with quiet introspection.
Full points must be given to the storyteller's voice clarity, which would rise in crescendo, while describing epic duels or cosmic struggles that shook the very foundations of Hindu civilization.
However, the narration would have succeeded even if it had significantly toned down on the dramatic element (very Ramleela-esque), and instead adopted a more contemporary tone of poignant reflection.
The performance was not merely a recitation of myths but a profound exploration of universal themes sacrificial love; heroism, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness.
The stagecraft was minimal yet effective, with subtle lighting changes and evocative music enhancing the storytelling without overshadowing it. The performer's physical presence and expressive movements added another layer of richness to the experience, creating a dynamic interplay between words and gestures that kept us spellbound until the final bow.
In conclusion, SHRIRAM KI PRATYANCHA has the potential to be a tour de force of artistic expression and cultural exploration. It's packed with all the right ingredients to remind us of the enduring power of myths to illuminate the human experience across cultures and generations. Through the masterful narration and profound insight, we are transported on a transcendent journey that leaves us both enriched and inspired. Each tale serves as a mirror held up to our own lives, inviting us to contemplate our own journeys through the lens of these timeless narratives.
*Divyani Rattanpal has worked as a journalist for The Quint, where she was also among the Founding Team members. While there, she also hosted and produced a podcast and fronted several standups. She's also worked for The Times of India group. She's now a theatre and film actor
