Theatre in Delhi witnessed a powerful and thought-provoking performance with the staging of 'Pret', an adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's classic play 'Ghosts'. Presented by the Three Arts Club (TAC) and directed by the renowned theatre luminary M.K. Raina, the play was performed on December 19 at Triveni Kala Sangam in the national capital.
A Timeless Conflict: Tradition vs. Rational Thought
Translated by the esteemed scholar and playwright Nemi Chandra Jain, 'Pret' delves deep into the eternal conflict between rigid, entrenched traditions and the emerging ideas born from scientific thought and rational inquiry. The narrative serves as a stark confrontation with the invisible 'ghosts' of our inheritance—hypocrisy, repression, and denial. It masterfully reveals how truths that are suppressed or left unresolved inevitably resurface across generations, frequently paving a path toward tragedy.
Director M.K. Raina shared his profound perspective on the play's core theme. He stated that the work deals with the pivotal idea of change, where new discoveries about life and science confront established norms. "Holding on to an old and decadent past, preserved by glorifying its outdated beliefs and virtues without scientific rationality, results in pain, suffering and tragedy," Raina explained. "The ghosts of the evil past keep persisting unless they are resisted and exposed with scientific truths."
A Stellar Cast Brings Intensity to the Stage
The production boasted a distinguished and talented cast that brought remarkable depth and intensity to this powerful adaptation. The performers included Rakesh Kumar Singh, Kavita Seth, Vipin Kumar, Namrata Sinha, and Arpit Anand. Their collective artistry was instrumental in conveying the play's emotional weight and complex character dynamics to the audience.
Behind the scenes, the play was produced by Anuradha Dar, a leading figure in Delhi's theatre and education circles. Reflecting on the production's significance, Dar said, "'Pret' is not just a play from the past - it is a mirror held up to our present. Theatre has the power to provoke thoughts, question complacency and awaken conscience. At TAC, our endeavour has always been to bring meaningful, intellectually engaging work to audiences and this production continues that legacy."
Urgent Relevance in Today's Polarised World
In the contemporary context, marked by rapid social transformations, deep ideological polarisation, and a growing resistance to critical thinking, the themes of 'Pret' resonate with striking force. The play serves as a urgent plea for audiences to scrutinise blind adherence to tradition, to courageously confront uncomfortable truths, and to seriously reflect on the heavy cost of suppressing reason and much-needed reform.
Its exploration of inherited dogmas and moral contradictions remains deeply relevant, not just in India but across a world still grappling with these very issues. The performance at Triveni Kala Sangam was more than an evening of theatre; it was a compelling call for introspection and intellectual courage, proving that Ibsen's 19th-century masterpiece continues to hold up a revealing mirror to the 21st century.
