Rangmanch Canada celebrated its Silver jubilee this month, and organized their annual Hindustani Drama Festival with much pomp and grandeur . The event was sponsored by Oshawa Senior Communities Centre and 55+ Desi Connect at Oshawa Little Theatre-Oshawa.
There were Tamil dance drama (Krishna Gannam), Sawitri’s (Hindi Shorts), Gujarati- (Do duni Panch) , Punjabi (No. 242), and Urdu ( Mirza Ghalib) plays showcasing the rich heritage of Indian theatre.
Jawaid Danish a celebrated playwright and artistic director of Rangmanch Canada said this year was special not only because of their silver jubilee but also because they staged the much-awaited epic play” Mirza Ghalib “It took 15 months to prepare this full length 90- minutes play. The first challenge was the Moghul Costume and back drops of ‘Dewan e Aam and Baradari’ as well as the other required make up with special beards and jewelry.
The best of actors, dancers and singers of Toronto were brought together for this play. The result was mesmerizing, with applause for each dialogue and a standing ovation. The multi-coloured, dazzling Moghul costumes made with specific details by Uma Danish added luster to the performance.
Director Jawaid Danish had this to say “It is first time that Mirza Ghalib was being performed on Canadian stage, I am proud to conceive, direct and present this play for the Canadian audience.
“In 2016 I was awarded the prestigious “Ghalib Drama Award” from the Ghalib Institute in New Delhi. I think I have paid my dues by presenting this epic play here in Canada. “