DURGA ZALI GAURI...Going strong for 29 years... : www.MumbaiTheatreGuide.com

DURGA ZALI GAURI...Going strong for 29 years...

May 13, 2011 12:00:00 AM IST
MTG editorial

DURGA ZAALI GAURI Hurry, catch the last two shows of this children's classic for the season. "After Agatha Christie's Mousetrap, DURGA ZALI GAURI must be the only play to enjoy an unbroken run for 29 years," declares Arun Kakde of Awishkar, the banner which has produced this musical extravaganza.

DURGA ZALI GAURI is the story of a tempestuous adolescent Princess Gauri who runs away from the palace since she can not get sleep on any bed in the palace. She takes a boat and sails across the river in the middle of a storm. Her boat capsizes but she's rescued by the villagers and nursed back to health. Gauri then directs the villagers to built a bund to prevent the village from floods. Working hard with the illiterate villagers, she realizes that physical labour is the sure shot way to get a sound sleep. Thus belligerent Durga turns into much-loved Gauri. Eventually she's united with her parents.

DURGA ZAALI GAURI The play was originally produced by the Deshpandes - Sulabha and Arvind in 1982. Written by Madhav Sakhardande with Shank-Neel's music, the title role has been played by renowned actresses like Urmila Matondkar, Kishori Shahane, Sukanya Kulkarni and Nishigandha Wad over the years.

The musical has completed more than 500 shows and has 60 participants between the age group of 6 and 25. This show is mostly staged during the summer vacations as the participants are school and college students. The musical extols the virtue of dignity of labour. It is directed by Ramesh Purav and choreographed by Guru Parvatikumar.

Kakde Kaka as Arun Kakade is fondly known, delightedly speaks about how three generations of the same families are still enjoying the play. The play, he says, has classical and folk music and dance. It also has a strong message. "Durga... is a rich legacy, it is a timeless classic," he adds.

Last two shows:

May 17, 2011, Gadkari, Thane, 8 pm

May 18, 2011, Yashwant Natya Mandir, Matunga, 4 pm

*Mumbai Theatre Guide takes no responsibility for change in schedule

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