[1]The seriousness of the issue makes it eligible for news headlines and national debates, and while that is awaited, a few creative minds have gone ahead and set the stage for its theatrical presentation.
Trial of Errors touches a hard-hitting subject that deals with the stereotyping of Indian Muslims in the name of terrorism. Produced by Mahesh Bhatt and Sandiip Kapoor, the play looks at the subject through the prism of an individual’s anguish who falls on the wrong side of destiny. “Trial of Errors explores the life of Rehan, a journalist on the lookout for truth about what is happening with the minority community in the country. His only fault is that he is one of them. During the course of his investigation, he falls into a trap by the police and is embroiled in a vicious circle where the system puts him down on every single stride. The play captures his struggle to prove his innocence against the system that ultimately labels him a terrorist,” says three time National award-winning director Waryam Mast who is holding the helm of direction.
“The story does not bear any exclusive resemblance to any real person rather it reflects at the collective dilemma of a community whose credibility and allegiance face an accusatory finger every time there is act of terrorism in the country. It is an imaginative take on a very real issue,” says Waryam.
While the director may have steered clear of drawing any direct connect with recent incidents of this nature, playwright Rajesh Kumar minces no words in drawing parallels from repeated harassment that youth from the minority community face.
“Sadly there are times when an entire community has to live under the eye of suspicion. I personally interacted with people who were persecuted simply because a certain bias exists towards a particular community. These real life stories have been the inevitable fodder while penning Trial of Errors,” says Rajesh.
“There have been instances when innocent youth have been arrested on the pretext of having terror links. They have been put behind bars, mentally and physically tortured, while their families go through emotional, social and financial turmoil. If by a stroke of luck, a few manage to walk free, the contempt of being a ‘condemned’ person continues to haunt them for the rest of their lives. It is sad young lives continue to get destroyed in this manner,” rues Rajesh.
“The prejudice has to be done away with. Without batting an eyelid the agencies make their conclusions and the rest takes a predictably sad course,” says an introspective Bhatt. Co-producer Sandiip Kapoor says, “This is a human cause. There are people being victimised unnecessarily, and I believe that any one with a conscience can’t just sit and do nothing about it. Theatre is on the verge of death in this country, perhaps a hard-hitting issue like this can strike a chord with the audience. It is an issue that has been long ignored by people but continues to rupture the social fabric of our country.”
On the question of raising a matter of such serious proportion through artistic sensibilities and measuring its impact, Waryam says, “I admit, we cannot bring a drastic or sudden change in the system, yet we can certainly invest a sincere effort in raising awareness about this grave matter. It reminds me of the last dialogue of Trial of Errors that goes as, ‘Mashaalein jalaao hai bahot andhera... Jugnuon jagmagao hai bahot andhera. (Light the torches it is very dark...Glow worms keep glowing it is very dark.).’
Actor Imran Zahid who made his mark in Bhatt’s previous play, The Last Salute, (based on Muntadar Al Zaidi, the Iraqi journalist’s shoe throwing incident) will be essaying the role of Rehan, the protagonist. His act will be supported by 13 Delhi based theatre actors.
The hour-long play will be staged at Shri Ram Centre in Delhi on March 29, followed by a six-city tour of Mumbai, Lucknow, Kolkata Hyderabad and Chandigarh.
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[1] http://archive.asianage.com/sanjay-1jpg-101