Ahead of his time

What happens to a man who gives all his life for something he loves? Is an individual really free in this world to do what he wants? The Asmita theatre group's play Hanoosh chronicles the life of an individual who devotes his life to fulfill his wish of creating a clock about which he had heard in his childhood. 

Based in ancient Greece, the play shows how people around Hanoosh question, doubt and even try to encash over his invention. After all it was all to see the first machine that measured time. The play also manages to portray issues both contemporary and gender related in a subtle manner through the character and also gives an idea about the intensity of social pressure a common individual faces irrespective of time. Religion is also an important component which finds its way within the play. The power struggle between different groups and an innocent individual's obsession are amalgamated in way which enables the audience thinks about the prevalent contemporary issues. 

The direction is intense and Arvind Gaur, the director, is successful in captivating his audience. The lead role is played by Gaurav Mishra who smoothly incorporated the character of an innocent but obsessive locksmith who dreams of making a clock. Katya is of a strong-willed woman who works for the family and make the ends meet, while lashing out at Hanoosh for indulging in clock-making, which seems to be a Herculean task. Shilpi, with her powerful voice, enacts the role of Katya, making the crowd cheer for her. 

The props played an important role in this play and they were diligently used, especially the clock. The prototype of the clock becomes the symbol of the struggles which the initial makers in the early centuries might have gone through. The cultural setting is not introduced through the props but words are used instead. This method enables the audience to guess the exact historical context while they watch the play. 

This play was performed in Shriram Centre on May 9 and was also telecasted live on the online platform www.viewmyshow.in. It became the first play ever in Delhi to have an online broadcast. The Asmita Theatre group has donated their earning amount for Nepal quake relief. The theatre artists themselves have bought items and also have visited villages of Nepal to ensure the needs of our neighbours are met. They plan to continue the relief work by going there every week. With good cause and excellent performance, this play manages to keep audience glued to their seats.