At Tagore Hall, Sohal Lal Kaul’s play on tortures, enforced disappearances, fake encounters takes you inside Army’s crammed detention centres
To mark ‘World Theatre Day’, a powerful drama narrating the painful story inside Army’s detention center that became a symbol of torture and disappearances in Kashmir, was performed at Tagore Hall on Sunday.
‘Be Kus Chus’ (Who Am I) written by Sohan Lal Kaul pays a tribute to those disappeared and killed in fake encounters after being dubbed as militants and their sympathizers by government forces. The play was the inaugural performance at Spring Theatre Festival organized by Actors Creative Theater (ACT) and inaugurated by Bollywood and theater actor Vijay Raaz.
Detention centers were safe haven for illegal confinement and torture of people by government forces after 1989 in Kashmir. They were the places where forces could enjoy full impunity over detainees including civilians.
Kaul’s play recreates the emotional and painful dialogues between two detainees in the detention center which moved the audience as they recall their real life experiences.
Directed by Mushtaaque Ali Ahmad Khan the play was presented an emotional outburst as it recreates the atmosphere of Kashmir of mid 90s.
‘Be Kus Chus’ is a terrifying experience of two characters caught in an abyss of uncertainty. The drama speaks of the current plight of people of Kashmir. By using a creative wit, crispy clarity and perfect theatrical idiom, the drama tries to be an outstanding piece of literature.” Author Kaul said he tried to reveal ‘abysmal conditions’ which prevailed in Kashmir and are still here. “It is an attempt to documents the socio-political scenario in a subtle and creative way,” he said. The play revolves round two characters, Noor Mohammad and Sajjad. Both are caught in absurdity while in detention where they share their mind with each other. However, they are craving for their real identity and freedom. While one character finds answer after another was killed.
