Dastan-e-Simurgh Captivates Audience at Lucknow's Mahindra Sanatkada Festival
In a mesmerizing display of classical storytelling, Lucknow witnessed the presentation of Dastan-e-Simurgh, a Dastangoi adaptation of Fariduddin Attar's renowned Persian epic Mantiq-ut-Taair (The Conference of Birds). The performance was delivered by accomplished storyteller Kafeel Jafri during the 17th edition of the Mahindra Sanatkada Lucknow Festival (MSLF) on Monday, becoming a highlight of the event's literary programming.
A Journey of Birds Seeking Their King
The narrative beautifully unfolded the symbolic journey of birds in search of their sovereign, the mythical Simurgh. This allegorical tale, deeply rooted in Persian literary tradition, explores profound philosophical themes through its avian characters. Jafri, in his first-ever performance of this specific work, expressed his enthusiasm for the platform, stating, "This is the first time I am performing 'The Conference of Birds'. I am an artist, performer and storyteller, and I deal with all forms of art. The birds are looking for their Badshah, the Simurgh, and this is a very well-known work of Persian literature. There could not be a better platform than MSLF."
Audience Reactions and Philosophical Resonance
Attendees responded with deep appreciation for the performance's intellectual and artistic merits. Shabnam Rizvi, a student who attended the session, observed, "The story connects personal questions with a larger philosophical idea," highlighting the narrative's ability to bridge individual contemplation with universal themes.
Retired academic Rakesh Verma praised the focused narration approach, noting, "It allowed the listener to concentrate on the meaning of the text," emphasizing how the minimalist delivery enhanced comprehension and engagement. Another audience member, Aaliya Khan, commented on the enduring power of oral traditions, saying, "It proves that a story can hold interest without elaborate staging," underscoring the effectiveness of pure storytelling in contemporary settings.
Festival's Commitment to Literary Traditions
The presentation formed an integral part of the festival's comprehensive literary programme, which features diverse activities including:
- Readings of classical and contemporary texts
- Live performances across various storytelling formats
- Interactive discussions on literary themes
Organizers emphasized that such sessions specifically aim to introduce classical texts and storytelling traditions to modern audiences, creating meaningful dialogues between historical narratives and contemporary sensibilities.
Exploring Literature-Philosophy-Performance Connections
Dastan-e-Simurgh stood out among numerous festival events that deliberately explore the intricate connections between:
- Literary excellence and narrative depth
- Philosophical inquiry and allegorical expression
- Performance artistry and oral transmission
With a distinct focus on classical narratives and oral storytelling forms, the festival continues to serve as a vital platform for preserving and revitalizing India's rich cultural heritage while making it accessible and relevant to today's audiences.
