India’s rich oral traditions find support in RATNAV



Debut play ‘Giraftari’ to be showcased in Delhi

New Delhi, 20th March: India’s rich oral traditions have found support in the form of Rama Theatre Natya Vidya (RATNAV), to be inaugurated on Thursday, 23rd March, 6.30 pm, at Kamani Auditorium. The debut production of RATNAV, play ‘Giraftari’ will also be showcased on this occasion.

India’s rich oral traditions find support in RATNAV

India’s rich oral traditions find support in RATNAV

India’s rich oral traditions find support in RATNAV

India’s rich oral traditions find support in RATNAV

Media veteran and founder of RATNAV, Rama Pandey, is also the director of the play. Rama Theatre Natya Vidya (RATNAV) will kick off its endeavor to protect India’s rich oral traditions of communication, now in dying condition, with the showcasing of this play. RATNAV works on livelihood of artists and promotes their art through theatre performances. The idea behind RATNAV is to bring various oral art forms before the world.

Director of the play and founder of RATNAV, Rama Pandey, says, “I am making an effort to bring out the beauty of oral tradition through the medium of theatre and TV.  RATNAV and my television show “Jaanen Apna Desh” on various channels of Doordarshan, includes efforts in this direction.”

Giraftari is an adaptation of Franz Kafka’s popular novel “The Trial”.  Set in contemporary Delhi, it’s is the story of a common Indian man, who has been alienated by the society. The director has used a fusion of the dying Indian oral and folk forms in the play. Art forms ranging from Keerat of Rajasthan, Tasha Dhol and Nafiri instruments of the streets of Delhi, find place in the play. All in all, there is much drama and theatrics in the play.

“The plot of Giraftari is appealing and something that people can relate to. I am sure the audience will have a great time watching the play,” says Rama Pandey.



About director: Rama Pandey is the founder of Rama Theatre Natya Vidya (RATNAV) and Montage Films. Born and brought up in Jaipur, she started her career as a child artiste. She has played the role of lead actress in many popular plays like Shatranj Ke Mohre, Ashar Ka Ek Din, Bhumija, Kanchanrang, Jasma Odan and Shuturmurg etc. Apart from Doordarshan and Aakashwani she was associated and worked with BBC Hindi, Voice Of America, CBC Canada and Radio Netherland TV Centre Holland. She has written, produced and directed many documentaries, tele-films and TV shows for Doordarshan and various Central and State ministries, PSUs, universities and other organizations. She has written books on women and children. “Begum Bano Aur Khatoon”, “Faisle” and “Suno Kahani” are her popular books. She has won many national and international awards for her contribution in the field of theatre and television.