An acclaimed play from India will come to Bangkok from Nov 18-19.
Yugpurush: Mahatma's Mahatma is a play based on the relationship between Jain philosopher and poet Shrimad Rajchandra and Indian independence leader Mahatma Gandhi. Depicting the spiritual journey of Gandhi, the play examines how Gandhi, after returning from England in 1891, met Shrimad for the first time in Mumbai. When Gandhi moved to South Africa, they kept corresponding through letters, and these letters ignited a fire of spiritual inquisitiveness and played a pivotal role in shaping Gandhi's character. Their close friendship blossomed and Gandhi proclaimed Shrimad his spiritual mentor.
In 1930, Gandhi wrote: "Such was the man who captivated my heart in religious matters as no other man ever has till now. I have said elsewhere that in moulding my inner life Tolstoy and Ruskin vied with Kavi [literally a poet, referring to Shrimad]. But Kavi's influence was undoubtedly deeper if only because I had come in closest personal touch with him."
This year marks the 150th anniversary of Shrimad's birth.
Yugpurush won the award for best play in 2017 at the Dadasaheb Phalke Excellence Awards, the most prestigious Indian awards in the performing arts. The play has been translated into seven languages.
After more than 950 performances in the short span of 327 days in 294 cities across Europe, the US, Canada, the Middle East, Africa and India, Yugpurush is coming to audiences in Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. The two shows in Bangkok will take place at M-Theatre, Petchaburi Road, on Nov 18 in Hindi, and Nov 19 in English, starting at 7pm.
With a running time of two hours, featuring 64 characters played by 14 actors, with rapidly changing sets, beautiful backdrops and amazing light and sound effects, the play recreates the untold story, a riveting portrayal of Mahatma Gandhi's transition from "Mohandas" (a common man) to "Mahatma" (a great soul) -- narrated by Gandhi himself.
The play is by acclaimed director Rajesh Joshi, and scripted by well-known playwright UttamGada of Maharathi fame. The music direction is by popular composer duo Sachin-Jigar.
In keeping with the spirit of brotherhood so evident in the lives of both mentor and adherent, the proceeds from Yugpurush will support the construction of Shrimad Rajchandra Hospital, a 200-bed, multi-speciality charity hospital in Dharampur, India. The hospital hopes to make a difference in the lives of approximately 2 million rural people of the state of Gujarat, who will get free modern healthcare.
Tickets cost 2,000, 1,500 and 500 baht. Go to ticketmelon.com, ypbkk.evenbrite.com or call 089-771-1903.
