"Ghasiram Kotwaal" NSD Repertory Play, Directed by Rajendra Nath

Ghasiram Kotwaal, Directed by Rajendra Nath

Act One : After Ganesh Vandana the Sutradhar and the Chorus dressed as Brahmins, sarcastically describe the highly degenerated and hypocritical conditions of the society during the rule of Peshwa chieftan Nana Phadnavis.
The Brahmins arrive at the Kotha of Gulabi Bai where Nana while dancing with Gulabi Bai sprains his foot. Gulabi Bai's Kannauji Brahmin servant Ghasiram does not let him fall on the ground. Nana is highly pleased and presents him with a necklace. However Gulabi Bai and the gangsters of the Kotha forcibly snatch away the necklace. Moreover, Poona Brahmins conspire to declare Ghasiram a thief. He is publically humiliated and bashed up by the police. In him rages a fire of revenge. He uses his beautiful daughter who is forced to submit to the lust of Nana in order to secure the office of the Kotwal for himself. Ghasiram finally becomes the Kotwal. For Nana it is nothing but a cold political move.
Act Two : As a Kotwal Ghasiram indulges in high handed acts of vengeance. He turns into a tyrant for his foes, who are the Brahmins of Puna. In the meantime Lalita Gauri who had been seduced by Nana dies in tragic circumstances. Nana remarries 7th time and his new wife is 12 years old. This shocks Ghasiram. The burning desire to take revenge crosses all limits. Some Brahmins who are alleged to have stolen some fruits are imprisoned in a small room, where a few of them die of suffocation. Brahmins raise the banner of revolt against the Kotwal. Now Nana also wants to get rid of Ghasiram. Nana orders that Ghasiram be paraded through the city and hanged. After the cold blooded killing of Ghasiram Nana delivers a highly charged speech thus remaining at the centre of the play.
"Ghasiram Kotwaal" NSD Repertory Play, Directed by Rajendra Nath "Ghasiram Kotwaal" NSD Repertory Play, Directed by Rajendra Nath Reviewed by rohit malik on Monday, May 18, 2009 Rating: 5

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