Aadyam presents Bandish 20-20,000Hz, a musical tale, that focusses on a figurative comparison between the lives of artists from the pre-Independence era to those living on contemporary times
Bandish’ is a homonym that means being bound but in the Hindustani vocal or instrumental music context it means composition. Aadyam’s next and final show of their digital edition, Bandish 20-20,000Hz, intertwines these two contrasting meanings, chronicling the journey of yesteryear artistes set against the backdrop of a function commemorating 70 years of India’s Independence. In essence, the play crusades through a musical path showing how artists have been bound in more ways than one through history to this day. Be it social media trolls, threats, political bans or social exclusions, artistes have always faced various kinds of ‘Bandish’ and that is what this play highlights — with a touch of humour, emotion and musical interludes. Being launched on January 26, the play rightly sets the tone for a patriotic Republic Day celebration.
Directed by Purva Naresh, the show was first showcased in 2017 as the country celebrated 70 years of independence. It is a story of two singers, one a nautanki singer and the other a baithak (classical) singer. Both performers come face to face in the green room before the Independence day function, relive their glory days and have witty anecdotes to share. Anecdotes of escapes from kings’ palaces, slapping British officers, getting kidnapped by the local zamindars and refuting lovelorn Nawabs. Each anecdote is accompanied by a musical and a dance number, and is an exploration into time. It sees things with a revived and perhaps, revised perspective.
The story that thrives on its foot-tapping yet meaningful melodies takes a turn as the male heartthrob of the nation gets banned on social media for an ‘anti-national’ performance. What happens next is what forms the plot of the play.
Director Purva says, “I am really happy that the shows have beens scheduled around Republic Day. What better time to explore the show in the context of freedom.
Is it 74 years really? When did we truly get Independence? When the British announced it or when we gained our constitution? The question is asked by the wisest fool in the play-Munnu. It might be the most fun and musical manner to get to know Independence through Shubha Mudgals compositions including Charkha Chala Chala Kay, Quaifi Azmis Nukoosh-e-Hasrat, Naresh Saxena’s Bidesia, among others.
Artistic Director, Shernaz Patel says, “Director Purva, when interviewed a few years ago had said, “Artistes always have to suffer throughout history.” This statement is as true for the protagonists of the play as it is for artists around the world struggling to make ends meet during this pandemic. Yet, ironically, throughout history it is art that has nourished our souls. Look at all of us guzzling entertainment through this lockdown. Not just consuming it, but also finding ways to express our inner creativity — taking up artistic hobbies, keeping a diary or simply listening to music… even challenging ourselves with a new recipe (also a form of creative expression). So for me, while steeped in nostalgia, the play makes us reflect on the present. The play has respected the theatricality of the performance, yet pushed the boundaries of possibility that this new hybrid medium offers.”
The illustrious cast — Anubha Fatehpuria, Danish Hussain, Harsh Khurana, Hitesh Bhojraj, Ipshita Singh Chakraborty and Nivedita Bhargava essay their roles with an earnest passion and verve as Shubha renders her musical prowess to the play. Performed and recorded live in an empty auditorium, the play evokes emotions of patriotism.
