Babuji: Overview of the Play, Playwright Mithileshwar, Director Rajesh Singh, and Adaptation

The play Babuji represents individuals in society who wish to live life on their own terms and freedom. The protagonist, Babuji, is a hero dedicated to keeping the artist within him alive alongside social responsibilities. Engrossed in folk drama like Nautanki, his family life shatters and he is thrown out of his own house, yet the beat of the tabla and echo of the harmonium remain with him until his last breath.

Playwright

Mithileshwar is a well-known Hindi writer born on December 31, 1950, in Baisadih village of Bhojpur district in Bihar, India. Famous for writing on rural areas of India, his stories portray the psyche of poor and exploited people in villages. His major works include the story collection Babuji, Meghna Ka Nirnaya, Harihar Kaka, and Chal Khusro Ghar Aapne, as well as novels such as Junia, Yuddhsthal, Prem Na Badi Upaje, and Ant Nahi.

Director

Rajesh Singh, a Bihar University graduate, received his initial theatre training from the Shri Ram Centre for Performing Arts in New Delhi. He has worked with the Sahitya Kala Parishad Repertory and Shri Ram Center Repertory, graduated from the National School of Drama in 2006 with a specialization in theatre Techniques and design, and studied at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts. His acclaimed directorial works include Rara, Raag Darbari, and Babuji. He currently serves as the Chief of the National School of Drama Repertory.

Adaptation

Vibhanshu Vaibhav, born in Pratapgarh in 1965, is a playwright, actor, director, screenplay-dialogue writer, and drama trainer. A graduate of Allahabad University with a diploma in dramatics from the Bhartendu Natya Academy, Lucknow, he has directed and written many plays including Maharathi, Babuji, Kaho To Boloon, Thumri, and Panchali.

Director's Note

Director Rajesh Singh noted that the play was first performed by Rang Vibhuti Late B.V. Karanth with the Shri Ram Center Repertory, utilizing the endangered folk and Nautanki style. The production incorporates folk songs composed by Karanth as a tribute to him.