Search SikhNet News Archive

03/20/2006

Comments Email this Article

Aditi Tandon, Tribune News Service



Chandigarh, March 19
The political enterprise of Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab is beginning to find takers in alien lands. Come March 21 and the entire strength of UK’s House of Commons will stand in adulation of the Lion King who used his acumen to inspire unity in a divided Punjab.

Members of the House of Commons will, on that day, officially launch a unique production on the life and times of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who has been a key figure in the Indian and British heritage. The production titled “Lion of Punjab” has been put together by the UK-based Punjabi Theatre Akademi, a non-political organisation which has earlier struck collaborations with artistes in the Indian Punjab to deliver projects like “Sohni Mahiwal” and “Shaheed Udham Singh” who inspire faith in the richness of Punjab’s cultural past.

This time round, the akademi has collaborated with stage artistes from Chandigarh to produce this exceptional project on Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The entire research support for the play has been offered by Chandigarh-based artistes C.S. Sindran and Gaurav Sharma, who are special invitees to the launch function in London. Back in London, where the play has been produced and directed by T.P. Singh, support for the same has been forthcoming from prominent Asians, including Lord Navnit Dholakia, Lord Swaraj Paul and Lord Daljit Singh.

The best part of the production is its ability to rope in BAFTA nominee and renowned writer-producer James Brabazon and stage director Amy Bonsall who produced “Hamlet” for Swan Theatre in the UK. It has also attracted help from leading actress Sudha Bhuchar of Tamasha Theatre, UK, and of BBC TV producers Lakviar Singh and Salim Salam.

All set for the launch, the play will be presented through July on the banks of the Thames at Watermans Arts Centre, Brentford. As for the objective, it intends to bring out the reality of the times which saw Punjab reeling under the forces of division.

Gaurav Sharma, production manager of the project, says, “The project has taken a while to shape up as it has been based on authentic sources. We have struggled hard to put everything in perspective for modern-day viewers who are not in sync with the past. We have tried our best to tell the tale of Maharaja Ranjit Singh who led his army and won his first battle at the tender age of 11.”

After winning the battle, he began his 35 years of extraordinary leadership which ended with the unification of Punjab.

Email the News Editor Add SikhNet news to your website


Become a SikhNet Supporter
Make a one time contribution or sign up as a monthly SikhNet donor.
History - Donation - Privacy - Help - Registration - Search


Copyright © 2007 SikhNet
Phone: 505-753-3117 - Email SikhNet Support