Book review
CHARANDAS CHOR - A play written and produced by Habib Tanvir

An exciting production, which allows ample scope for the exuberant wit and energy of the Chhattisgarhi village performers of Naya Theatre, CHARANDAS CHOR features improvised dialogue, music, songs and dance. Habib Tanvir's adaptation of this comic folk tale has been acclaimed throughout India as one of the outstanding contributions to New Indian Theatre.

"Charandas Chor" is Habib Tanvir's masterpiece. It is an adaptation of a Rajasthan folk tale made into a drama by Vijay Dan Detha;. But even this script underwent a transformation under Habib's directorship, carrying the story to a much more poignant end.

The story goes that one day the Guru asked Charandas to give up the bad habit of stealing if he wished to be his disciple. The thief offers to make four promises (1) he will never eat out of golden plates, (2) never ride an elephant, (3) never marry a queen, and (4) never accept the throne of a country. To this the Guru replied that he wished to add one more condition. He asked Charandas never to tell a lie. In the new play Charandas stands by his oath never to tell a lie and in the final moment when the queen (who had fallen in love with him) gets angry that he does not accept her royal offers, Charandas stands by the oath he had taken and vindicates the faith of his Guru. He prefers execution, which the queen ordered in her frustration and indignation!



CAST:
Charandas - Deepak Tiwari
Havaldar - Ravi lal

Guru - Bhulwa Ram

Malguzar - Devi lal

Servants - Brij lal

Pujari - Ram Charan

Muneem - Ram Charan

Minister - Udai ram

Soldiers - Chait & Brij

Rani - Fida

Dasi - Mala

Purohit - Habib Tanvir

Towncriers - Nageen tanvir & Mala

Chorus - Fida, Mala, Punam, Nageen, Brij, Bhulwa, Ravi & Habib

Tabla - Amar Das & B. K. Dubey

Clarionet - Ram Shankar

Harmonium - Devi Lal

Lyrics - Swaran Kumar & Ganga Ram

Drama CD // Audio // Saregama //


About the author Habib Tanvir's adaptation of this comic folk tale has been acclaimed throughout India as one of the outstanding contributions to New Indian Theatre.