Patiala, November 8
The North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC), under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, hosted a vibrant performance of the classic comedy play “Panchlight” as part of its monthly Patiala Drama Series. Directed by Vikas Sharma and performed by Kurukshetra’s New Utthan Theatre Group, the play left the audience roaring with laughter and earned resounding applause.
Written by Phanishwarnath Renu, “Panchlight” tells the heartwarming and humorous tale of a Bihar village grappling with the arrival of a five-point lamp, a symbol of modernity in a community without electricity. The Mahato community, pooling money from fines, celebrates the lamp’s arrival from the city, only to realize no one knows how to light it. The story takes a comedic turn as villagers fumble with the unfamiliar technology.
At the heart of the narrative is Godhan, a tech-savvy village youth played by Dr. Rajiv Kumar, who knows how to operate the lamp. Godhan loves Munri, portrayed by Manu Mehak Malyan, but their romance is complicated by Kallu, a rival suitor. Kallu incites Munri’s mother, leading to a Panchayat that ostracizes Godhan and severs his ties with Munri. When the village’s pride hinges on lighting the Panchlight, Munri reveals Godhan’s expertise. The Sarpanch summons Godhan, who agrees to light the lamp on one condition: marriage to Munri. The Panchayat consents, Godhan illuminates the lamp, and the village erupts in joy, blending music, dance, and laughter in a joyful resolution.
watch….‘आधे-अधूरे’ की मनोरम प्रस्तुति से 23वां ग्रीष्मकालीन नाट्य महोत्सव सम्पन्न
The ensemble cast, including Niketa Sharma, Shivkumar Kirmach, Chanchal Sharma, Kanchan Yadav, Vikas Sharma, Gaurav Deepak Jangra, Rajkumari, Sunaina, Parth Sharma, Sahil Khan, Suryansh Chawla, Nikhil Parcha, Priyanshu Bansal, Rajveer Raju, Chaman Chauhan, and Devidutt, delivered a captivating performance.
NZCC Director M. Furqan Khan emphasized the Centre’s commitment to promoting quality theatre to engage art lovers and Patiala residents, fostering a growing theatre audience. All artists were honored by the NZCC for their stellar contribution, cementing “Panchlight” as a delightful blend of humor, tradition, and the transformative power of knowledge.
