Bhishma, one of the main characters in the epic Mahabharata has been given life. This was evident at ‘Bhishma’, a play in English enacted by Chettinad Players at Kumara Rajah Muthiah Hall on Nov. 23, 24 and 25, 2007.
The play dealt with the life and character of Bhishma who underwent a lot of struggle in his lifetime. It starts with Bhishma who lies down on bed of arrows and shouts for water as he is thirsty and a man comes to him and provides water.
Later, as Bhishma relaxes after quenching his thirst the man who provided him water questions him. Once the man who gave Bhishma water comes to know about the true identity of Bhishma, he starts asking him various questions regarding Bhishma’s life. The questions are related to incidents of Bhishma’s life right from his taking of oath of celibacy to his role in Mahabharata war.
The main character answers all questions and the replies convince the man of the righteousness of Bhishma. And the man happens to be a divine messenger and tells Bhishma that his righteousness is proved beyond doubt and he has come to take him to heaven. As the play proceeds, we see how Bhishma’s oath, taken as an act of love for his father, changes the course of his life, and haunts him till his very end.
Secretary and Correspondent of Chettinad Vidyashram Kumararani Meena Muthiah said that many characters in Indian epics and other texts offer valuable lessons and are rich sources of inspiration. If these are spread they could yield many positive results, she added. Bhishma happens to be the third play enacted by Chettinad Players. The earlier plays enacted by Chettinad Players were Karna and Valivadham.
Noted art director Thota Tharani designed the sets for this play. J. Jayakumar is the director of this play. Amudhavalli, headmistress of Chettinad Vidyashram was also present on that occasion.
Chettinad Players is a theatre group of Chettinad Vidyashram, R. A. Puram, Chennai