Shankar: A Theatrical Production Based on Vijaydan Detha's Story

About Shankar

Vijaydan Detha’s story 'Rijak ki Maryada' is a tragic tale about a Bhaand artist named Shankar. Shankar is a chameleon who can perform any character. He visits an area disguised as a sadhu and delivers such a convincing act that a local businessman and his family become his devotees. Afterward, Shankar reveals his true identity as Shankar Bhaand. The next day, he appears in the guise of a convincing witch, causing everyone from the King to the townspeople to flee. During the chaos, the King’s brother-in-law falls before him. When people realize it is Shankar Bhaand, they tie him up with ropes and label him the murderer of the King's brother-in-law. Following the advice of his ministers, the King commands Shankar Bhaand to impersonate a Sati the following day.

Writer

Vijaydan Detha, known as Bijji, was a prominent writer of Rajasthani literature whose poignant insight connected with both rural and urban sensibilities. His storytelling style transformed the ordinary into the extraordinary. Detha wrote over 800 short stories that were translated into multiple languages, and many of his works have been adapted for theatre and film. He received several honors, including the Padma Shri and the Sahitya Akademi Award.

Director

Ajay Kumar began his theatre journey with Nirman Kala Manch in Patna and Rang Vidushak in Bhopal, and is an alumnus of the National School of Drama in New Delhi. He has acted in numerous plays, poems, stories, and biographies. His notable work includes Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, directed by Tim Supple, which toured globally. As a music director, Kumar developed a narrative art form called 'Katha-Gayan-Vachan,' where a singer-actor plays multiple characters, featured in plays like Bada Bhaand to Bada Bhaand and Mai Ri Main Ka Se Kahun. He teaches voice and speech and theatre music at institutions primarily including NSD in New Delhi, and received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar in 2008.

Director’s Note

Traditional storytelling and recitation have ancient roots in the country, utilizing body movement, gestures, and postures to give audiences a visual and aural experience. Known by various names such as KathaaGaayan, KathaaGoyee, QissaFaroshee, and BaatPoshee, performers rely solely on the body and voice. As this age-old tradition is disappearing, the production aspires to support its revival.

Group

The Sikkim Centre is the first center established by NSD outside Delhi in 2011, offering a one-year residential certificate course in Dramatic Arts. Its Repertory Company, established in 2012, has staged notable productions across national theatre festivals.